The heat and humidity of the summer always re-unite me with Delta Blues music. Of course, the gritty content of blues music is probably better suited for winter months - but the cold is already depressing enough...
I started reading Alan Lomax's book "The Land Where the Blues Began" over a year ago and plan on finishing it this summer. The book chronicles Lomax's journey across the American South making some of the most important recordings in history. If you want to understand the roots of blues culture - this book is a must read.
Here is Booker White playing
"Aberdeen Mississippi Blues" to seal the deal: