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Sample recording by 'the King' for American who likes the blues? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

democrat

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'king for american who likes the blues?' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'sample recording by' is the wordplay.
'sample' becomes 'demo' (I've seen this in another clue).
'recording' becomes 'crat' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'by' says to put letters next to each other.
'demo'+'crat'='DEMOCRAT'

'the' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for democrat that I've seen before include "Believer in government of, for and by the people" , "Member of US political party" , "Republican's US rival" , "Member of one of US parties" , "Populist" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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