Black History Month: Artists Who Shaped Music
The cultivation of the popular genres we all know and love in music could not have been possible without the contributions of African American musicians. For Black History Month, we recognize the revolutionary music movements solely paved by their ambition to break the conventional boundaries of sound and make their culture and history heard. Adversity prevails loudly within music, and for black artists, their songs are a testament to both the sonic and social change that, for us music lovers, has been long awaited and is here to stay.
Drawing the timeline of musicians in the African American community, it’s no question that their impact has spanned across decades, introducing us to pillars of rhythm & blues, soul, jazz, funk, and hip-hop music and strengthening the pop and rock genre space, whose sounds truly prevail to be timeless. Defying expectations, and spearheading innovation within our country and the world, makes these musicians one of a kind.
1950’s: Ray Charles – The Genius
A trailblazer to the blended foundation of soul and rhythm & blues, Ray Charles merged gospel, jazz, and blues to create a sound uniquely his own. His innovations revolutionized music, earning him the title “The Genius.” With songs like “What’d I Say” and “Hit the Road Jack,” Ray Charles demonstrated that music knows no boundaries, and his contributions laid the groundwork for countless artists to follow.
1960’s: Aretha Franklin – The Queen of Soul
Aretha’s voice is a gift, truly sent to fill our souls. Hence the genre, Aretha absorbs the influence of her gospel background to craft songs that spearheaded the wave of women’s representation, making us feel uplifted and united through the voice of love. Soul music stands as a call that we listeners are dire to answer. Aretha creates that relationship with us, through her riveting lyrics in songs like “I Say A Little Prayer” and “Respect.” Effortless in her vocal runs, and the eloquent detail of
the piano and strings, Aretha maintains the authentic soul sound, rooting it in female strength.
1970’s: Stevie Wonder – Motown Master
A visionary of sound, Stevie Wonder fused jazz, funk, and soul to create an innovative soundscape of Motown that challenged the limits of what pop music could be. Hits like “Superstition” and “Sir Duke” not only highlighted his impeccable musicianship, but they showcased his ability to use music as a powerful tool for social change. Stevie’s music, beyond its brilliance, reflects his profound empathy for humanity and a desire to move hearts and minds.
1970’s, 80’s, & 90’s: Michael Jackson – The King Of Pop
Touching every part of the world through his music, Michael Jackson pushed the boundaries of what pop music could be. Driven by his roots in dance, Michael created the landscape of pop that meshed the rhythmic details of several sounds relevant to each decade he succeeded in, from rhythm & blues to rock. His voice, above it all, was angelic and enticing, exuding versatility and an unrelenting need to innovate. Songs like “Billie Jean” and “Thriller” became anthems, blending catchy beats with groundbreaking choreography. He brought pop music into the stratosphere, and his legacy continues to influence artists around the globe.
1980’s: Whitney Houston – The Voice
Whitney Houston, we will always love you! Throughout the ‘80s, Whitney solidified herself as one of the greatest voices of all time, with a perfect blend of technique and raw emotion. Her rendition of “I Will Always Love You” remains an iconic moment in music history. With a powerful vocal range and immense stage presence, Whitney brought soul and pop into the mainstream, breaking records and setting new standards for vocal technique and applying it to a performance.
1990’s: Dr. Dre – The Mechanic
We all take artistic inspiration from the greats that came before us. Music thrives off of the nostalgia we attach to, but twisting it into new, charismatic ways. Dr. Dre became the vanguard of West Coast G-Funk rap, introducing a new
dynamic to the genre. With albums like “The Chronic” and his work with artists like Snoop Dogg, Dre’s sound redefined hip-hop, fusing smooth melodies and hard-hitting beats through the art of sampling that captured the essence of a generation. He is the true mechanic of rap that has shaped the future of rap artists.
2000’s: Beyonce – Queen Bey
A force of nature in music, Beyoncé rose to superstardom with her impeccable vocal skills, mesmerizing stage presence, and bold artistry. From her days with Destiny’s Child to her solo career, Beyoncé brought a sense of empowerment and individuality to pop and R&B. With albums like “Dangerously in Love” and “Lemonade,” she continues to push boundaries, merging culture, history, and personal stories into anthems that resonate with millions. Even dipping into new genres like country, her brilliance and her influence transcends music, as she becomes a beacon of strength, grace, and resilience.
Today and every day, we celebrate their achievements, resilience, and creative ambition which have impacted music for centuries to come.