I discovered "blues" and "Gospel" in some mix of genius by Blind reverend Gary Davis, very long time ago...
I was not a fan of blues at the time nor of jazz...
I was flabbergasted not only by his voice and guitar playing but by his text and lyrics inspired from bible and prayers...
Truly moving ...
Then words matter...
I can listen to him with the same amazement today :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6W9PuLcoZMM
Now recommend me an artist with the same authenticity today . They exist for sure but not on the top chart of music sorry and not in so great numbers than 70 years ago in the US but there is many around earth ...
What we lost in North America play chart is compensated by our access to world music in all genre ...
We have geniuses today as i said but the industry of music here has killed many artists...