Celebrating Black History Month Through Music Legends
Gospel, blues, bomba, jazz, R&B, soul, funk, ska, reggae, dub reggae, house, Detroit techno, hip-hop, country, Rap, Rock ‘N Roll, to name a few, are a result of Black culture.
Meaning, African American’s primarily developed these genres and diverse ranges of music. The influence on all that American music is today did not come without oppression. It’s important to note so many music genres enjoyed by modern-day consumers and songs played on the radio have a Black influence. That is also to say non-Black people can never recreate the sound because the history cannot be parallel. The most-listened-to Genres of all time being Rock, and Hip-hop–now called pop– come from Black influence. For example, Rock’ n’ roll was an evolved genre from jazz, rhythm and blues, then called race music, boogie-woogie and gospel music.
Specifically, during the Great Migration, roughly dating from World War I to the 1970s, African Americans migrated from the Jim Crow South into northern neighborhoods, and they heard each other’s music. They incorporated new sounds into their everyday radio stations and vinyl.
Whitney Houston (1963-2012)
Certified as one of the most awarded female artists of all time by Guinness World Records, Houston led her songs with loud and soulful vocals that first debuted in her childhood church. Using gospel to inspire her famous sound, she became one of the best-selling recording artists of all time. Houston started her career in the music industry at age 19 and her first two studio albums hit number one on Billboard’s top 200. She’ll be forever in the hearts of music fans as talented, beautiful, graceful and passionate.
Michael Jackson (1958-2009)
Originating in The Jackson Five, the youngest brother of the group, Micheal, was later dubbed, “The King of Pop.” His sounds have inspired many famous artists today, and his style now features in songs from top headliners: Justin Bieber, Chris Brown and The Weeknd. Fans may remember him not only for his dancing and singing but for his music videos that challenged racial barriers and turned his music into art. Not only carrying the title of World’s Best-Selling Album, Thriller but also being the pop-star who supported the most charities. Jackson lived beyond the title “King of Pop” and died a legend.
Stevie Wonder (1950-)
At just 13 years old, Steveland Hardaway Morris, landed on U.S. Billboard Hot 100 No.1 single (and R&B No.1) with his track “Fingertips Part 2”. From then on, the legend who has not let his inability to see deter his successful singing and songwriting still leaves his mark on the world of music. Receiving awards for not only music but also civil rights activism, Wonder told the world they should, “use the gifts God has given us to help those less fortunate,” as reported by BBC news. His music is known to change the politics of multiple genres and push the envelope.
Bob Marley (1945-1981)
The pioneer of reggae, Bob Marley, undoubtedly shaped today’s traditional reggae with its distinct sound and vocals. Starting his music career in Jamaica, he soon became a global talent and represented Jamaican music and culture. His diverse discography led him to become the most successful reggae artist in the U.S. Being a member of the Rastafarian Movement, he fueled his lyrics with inspiration and spirituality that continues to live on today.
Aretha Franklin (1942-2018)
“Singer” is just one on the list of many hats worn by Aretha Franklin. Too on that list is actress, poet, pianist and civil rights activist. Franklin dubbed “The Queen of Soul” did not take the title lightly as her music has forever changed the industry. Known for her hit song–among many–“Respect,” the singer began her music career in her local church during the civil rights movement. Her talent and soul led her to become the first female inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame. Today she is remembered for not only her raw, undeniable talent but for selflessness.
Ray Charles (1930-2004)
Pushing boundaries in R&B, gospel and country music, the musical legend, Ray Charles has a significant influence on lyrical style and instrumental experiments. Although he fused many genres, his central theme was always soul, ‘The Father of Soul’ Charles,’ as he is nicknamed, created opportunities for more gospel-infused R&B to take its stage on the radio. Later he became Atlantic Records’ most beloved R&B artist and is now on the list of notable artists who transformed the normality or quintessentially of genres.
Ella Fitzgerald (1917-1996)
“The First Lady of Song,” “Queen of Jazz” or “Lady Ella” are all identities taken on by singer Ella Fitzgerald. Some may remember her for more than her masterful pieces incorporating soul, gospel, and jazz and more for her civil rights activism. The memorable story being her arrest in 1955 for shooting dice (gambling) in her dressing room. The arrest’s actual motivation was her attempt to perform to an integrated audience of Black and white. Fitzgerald is one of the main contributors to the genre of jazz as we now know it. Being one of the first Grammy award winners, she will continue to be a model in activism and musical talent.
