Can the Blues be s-l-o-w?

Having heard lots of classic Blues songs, Bessie Smith et al, they all seem to have a deliberate speed and could be perhaps more soulful - and Blue - if slower. I'm asking because "Lazy Living", on an Ibiza compilation (Elimar sings it, in fact wrote it too I understand) does it very slowly and it feels very Blues to me. Is there an accepted speed laid down for Blues music/songs?

Or for that matter for Boogie Woogie?

While da Blooz is rich in tradition, how you play the songs is not. It is readily agreed upon that each individual interprets each song as it feels to them. So YEAH; play it as s-l-o-w as you want; just do it with feeling, man.

listen to (evening by jimmy witherspoon) a great slow blues song

You hit the nail on the head and answered your own question! It's the feel of the song that makes it bluesy. On the other hand Boogie Woogie is the type of music that must have an up tempo beat. While many songs are up tempo, Boogie Woogie is identified by its unique sound. If you ever have the chance, have a listen to Nina Simone, the great Jazz artist, sing "I Loves You Porgy" and you'll hear s-l-o-w blues.

Blues can be slow, fast, anywhere in between.

It is the feel of your blues that makes it write for you.

"Dirty Mother For you" is a jump blues tune, and very upbeat, but when I perform it, I like to slow it down and make it more suggestive.

One of the earliest Ray Charles songs "Drown In My Own Tears", is so slow I heard the drummer was having trouble with it.

ZZ-TOP are a great band for blues and boogie woogie. A great slow blues tune of theirs is Blue Jean Blues, Something more mid tempo would be Just Got Back from Baby's, and for a good driving boogie woogie track, check out La Grange. Three examples of great blues each with their own tempo and mood from an awesome band.