Where would we be without the talents of our Black brothers and sisters? Without a lot of our favorite music, that’s for damn sure.
February is Black History Month and we’d be remiss to not celebrate some of the incredible artists that have helped shape our love and appreciation for music.
At the end, find a playlist chockfull of Black artists from the beginning of Rock N’ Roll all the way to Lizzo and The New Respects.
ARETHA FRANKLIN
By Isabel
When discussing music history, there is no way around her: Aretha Franklin, the 'Queen of Soul'. Like probably no other, Aretha Franklin musically embodies emotion, passion, and unmatched energy by moving between different genres such as gospel, jazz, and soul.
Her songs (like the unattainable 'Respect') not only echoed in interpersonal relationships but also found their way into the civil rights movement with her music as sources for encouragement and hope.
Superlatives are easily used too often and expressions like 'one of a kind' are hastily put out, but in this case, not even this seems to be enough. Listening to Aretha Franklin's albums is the best thing you can do on any given day, and only with time will we understand which impressive artist has left us in 2018.
GARY CLARK JR.
by Baylee Avery
In 2017, I found Gary Clark Jr’s music randomly after seeing ‘Numb’ appear in my Discover Weekly playlist on Spotify. One listen and I was already infatuated with his soulful, electrifying sound. I was also thinking that he could be the next great voice in modern blues rock and to this day, I still think he is just that.
Gary Clark Jr has performed with many iconic rockers: Tom Petty, Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, Willie Nelson, just to name a few. He even performed alongside Bonnie Raitt and Chris Stapleton at The Grammys, honoring B.B. King in 2016. If that doesn’t show the immaculate talent that he has as a rock ‘n’ roll artist, I don’t know what. Not to mention - He won, not one but three Grammy’s for his latest album, This Land. If you listen to that album - in which the title track confronts racism - you’ll see why it did.
One big reason why his music is so special to me is because he is everything I have ever wanted to hear in modern blues rock. He has a sound that is absolutely remarkable and memorable. It’s easy to get lost in his music, as it is absolutely captivating. His riffs, his voice, his lyrics, everything about his music is special to me.
JIMI HENDRIX
by Cherri Cheetah
One of the greatest guitarists that ever lived. His music was one of the first I heard when I first became interested in classic rock at 17. His music has brought me so much comfort and joy for the few years since then. Jimi's songs were one of the first few that I truly, and deeply, fell in love with on my endless journey of exploring the musical genre that is rock. His guitar playing, his voice, all of it combined is one of my favorites ever. When I listen to Jimi Hendrix's records, I think of being young and sad, finding happiness & comfort in only his songs on repeat, for days & days on end.
My favorite tracks by him are "Purple Haze," and "Crosstown Traffic." The second has that uncanny, rough sound that sounds so real; it sounds like you are actually there in the studio during it's recording, and I love it so much. I wish I was alive to see him at Woodstock, I wish I was alive to have met him once, just once, so I could sit & chat with him about music and everything else. He was a fantastic performer, one that comes along once in a generation, and I adore him very much.
MICHAEL JACKSON
by Kiki Gilligan
Everyone starts with one. One act, one album, one performance. You never listen to music the same ever again. The artist that started the thrill of it all for me was Michael Jackson. Ironically, wanting to be a rock and roll princess started back with not even rock music at all, but with the King of Pop. The album was Thriller, and it was my mom’s first vinyl record that she had passed down to me when I was in my single digits. I’d spin that thing and dance in my basement all day, every day.
Just like for so many others, Michael Jackson crafted and shaped what performance and music were to me. When I thought about getting on stage, I wanted to be just like Michael. He, inevitably, was a talent this world would not be the same without. He grabbed the attention of an audience like he pulled a ping pong ball from behind every audience member’s ear. “How the heck did he do it,” they ask? That’s just Michael. Always dancing with the stars, and mesmerizing like the night.
Black History Month makes me think about Michael a lot. I wonder what he would think about the injustices around the world today. I think of the music he would be making, and how much he would’ve helped to heal the world. But I like to remind myself all the time that I am who am I today, greatly, because of Michael. I wouldn’t trade the influence that man has had on me as a human being and a creator for one second.
PRINCE
by Evie Wagner
Although I haven’t been a fan of Prince my entire life, when I discovered his music at fifteen I knew I had found something special. Truly, I don’t know why it took me so long, I had heard the hits gracing classic rock radio stations but never realized they were his, or maybe I was just too young to really appreciate his art. Unfortunately, like with many other artists, I didn’t discover him until after his final curtain call on Earth. Prince Rogers Nelson’s death in 2016 sparked an interest in me to listen and learn more, and that’s when I finally discovered the bright, flamboyant, unapologetically original whirlwind of talent and creation that he was.
It’s no secret that Prince’s music, fashion, and persona felt familiar and comforting to anyone who has ever felt like (or been labeled a) freak or outcast. It’s also no secret that I think he put on the best Super Bowl performance of all time. Highly versatile, spanning multiple genres (funk, pop, rock, blues, jazz, psychedelica, disco, just to name a few) and always with a new trick up his (colorful) sleeve, Prince was like a violet, visionary flamingo, a playful peacock of performance and showmanship. He was an alchemical creator of music that could be an answer to whatever we’re experiencing in this given moment. There’s a Prince song for every mood, vibe, problem or predicament. Crushing on someone? “Kiss” and “I Wanna Be Your Lover” are on repeat. Need a Monday morning pick-me-up? Time to blast “Let’s Go Crazy” while downing that espresso. Want to let your worries go and feel like the main character of your own life again? Put on “Purple Rain” and breathe in the fresh air. Going thrifting? “Raspberry Beret” is a must play (No, seriously - it comes on every time I’m in Goodwill).
Prince made music for every kind of listener, and there’s something for everyone in his catalogue. I’m a firm believer that “When Doves Cry” is one of the greatest, most intricate and well-made pieces of music ever created. When it comes to highlighting people of color who have made incredible contributions to music, Prince is an unmissable spectacle, a VIP (Very Important Performer), and a guest of honor at the table. Prince celebrated black excellence and power, he made damn sure everyone knew his name, and in doing this, carved out a place for himself as rock and roll royalty. Legends never truly die, so, here’s to you, Prince, and all you’ve created, given, inspired, and made. Long may you reign.
SISTER ROSETTA THARPE
by Rebecca Potzner
Did you know a woman invented Rock N’ Roll? To be truthfully honest, I didn’t up until this past year. Before Chuck Berry, before Little Richard, Elvis Presley, or Johnny Cash…Sister Rosetta Tharpe was leading the way and earned the name, Godmother of Rock N’ Roll. In fact, her groundbreaking guitar technique inspired the likes of Berry, Presley, Cash, and many more. Chuck Berry even said that his entire career was “one long Sister Rosetta Tharpe impersonation..”
Learning guitar at the ripe young age of 4 years old, Tharpe grew up playing Gospel, honing in on her craft and finding her own unique sound. Defying racial, gender, and religious stereotypes, Tharpe was a force to be reckoned with. She stayed true to herself through her music, playing Gospel while crossing the line into expressing sexuality.
Her confidence and authenticity really stood out to me. When compared to male counterparts, Tharpe exclaimed, “Can't no man play like me. I play better than a man”. Preach it, Sister!
Later on, she would go on to tour Europe, exposing Britain to the sound of American Blues. Though her story may have been pushed to the way side for some years now, her mark on pioneering Rock N’ Roll will live forever.
Never forget - a woman invented Rock N’ Roll.
STEVIE WONDER
by Angel Evans
I could go on for centuries about Stevie Wonder and how his music continues to greatly impact my life. Since I was a little girl, Stevie Wonder’s voice has enriched my life and brought infinite smiles upon my face. His album, “Songs In The Key of Life” holds a special place in my heart. It’s a soulful album with a handful of timeless tracks such as: ‘Isn’t She Lovely’ , ‘I Wish’, Knocks Me Off My Feet’ , and ‘Sir Duke’
One of my favorite quotes of Stevie Wonder is, “Just because a man lacks the use of his eyes doesn’t mean he lacks vision.” Stevie is a trailblazer whose heart overflows with an undying passion for music. His musical talents and his immense creativity is something that inspires me every single day. Stevie Wonder is the music. One of my biggest dreams is to be able to hear him live someday. To witness him in all of his glory and soak in the music I've heard all of my life. He’s inspired millions to pursue their dreams and to go the extra mile. Stevie Wonder is a living legend.