When you think of rock music, your mind usually thinks of Led Zeppelin or the Beatles. What most people do not realize is the origin of rock music came from black blues artists. Black musicians have shaped the music industry through social change, poetry, and the creativity of the sonic sound of blues rock and Rock N Roll jazz, along with other genres of music.
In the late 1800’s, Blues music became popular amongst slaves. Blues was mostly popular in states such as Mississipi and Louisiana during the great migration of slave workers. Blues rock was especially popular during the civil rights movement in the late 50s through the early 60s. Their poetic lyrics discussed topics of racism, segregation, and social change. Jazz and Soul became very popular during the Harlem renaissance around the time of the great depression. Musicians protested through their music. Artists such as Donna summer, Sam Cooke, and Etta James are known for being some of the most creative and outstanding black musicians in the music industry.
For Black History Month, I listened to 28 different black musicians. Here is the list and what I learned about them…
February 1st Aretha Franklin: Respect is what everyone should be giving to Aretha Franklin. Some of her greatest hits are “Respect’, “I say a little prayer”, and my personal favorite “You make me feel like a natural woman”. Josh Kiszka, the lead singer of Greta van fleet has said in many interviews that he sings along to Aretha Franklin songs before he performs because it calms him down. Franklin was a trailblazer in the music industry and will never be forgotten.
February 2nd Jimi Hendrix: Although he did not live very long, Jimi Hendrix released some of the most iconic music in rock history. His most Iconic album is 1967s Are You Experienced. Hendrix was one of the first black musicians to turn blues rock into rock n roll. He’s influenced many musicians such George Clinton and John Mayer. Jimi Hendrix died at the early age of 27 and is missed by many.
February 3rd Ronnie Spector: We can all collectively agree that the world was shook when legend Ronnie Spector died on January 12th. She is most commonly known for her music group The Ronettes and their iconic song “Be My Baby”. Known as the “Bad girl of Rock”, Spector inspired musician Amy Winehouse and many other female musicians.
February 4th Sam Cooke: His music career started at church. Gospel music was a huge inspiration for him as he joined Soul Stirrers, a popular gospel group in the 50s. Through prayer and music Cooke was a huge activist against racism and violence. “A Change is Gonna come” brought up the trauma of racism but also hope for the future. Cooke was the first black musician to be involved with the business and marketing sides of the industry and brought people of all races together.
February 5th Elmore James: Known as “King of the slide guitar” Elmore James inspired artists such as The Rolling stones and Eric Clapton. James released hit songs such as “The Sky is Crying” and “Shake Your Money Maker”. In 1980 he was inducted into The Blues Hall of Fame. In 1992, he was inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame.
February 6th Muddy Waters: Inducted into The Rock N Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, Muddy waters was known as a post war blues musician. His most popular song “I’m your Hoochie Coochie Man” has unique a sexy blues sound that gives the song an iconic vibe. Waters was most known for performing in small Chicago bars as he enjoyed more intimate performances.
February 7th Little Richard: Not only was he a music icon but he was also a fashion icon. Known for his very flashy outfits, little Richard was a trend setter. He inspired Elton John when it came to his fashion choices and his skillful piano playing. Little Richard died at the age of 87 from bone cancer and will always be remembered for his feminine fashion choices and hit songs.
February 8th Stevie Wonder: Probably one of the most creative and outstanding musicians ever, Stevie Wonder has won multiple grammy awards and was inducted into The Rock N Roll Hall of Fame in 1989. Being blind since birth never stopped him from enjoying and creating music. Wonder was a child prodigy known for his Motown and Hip Hop sound.
February 9th Ben E. King: Known for his R&B soul sound Ben E. King is remembered for his beautiful song “Stand By Me”. His deep raspy voice and heartfelt poetic lyrics inspired peace love and unity during the civil rights movement. King died on April 30th 2015 from old age.
February 10th Chuck Berry: Known by many as “The Father of Rock N Roll” Chuck Berry found music through school but mostly church. His most popular song is “johnny B. Goode” with the intro being one of the most famous guitar riffs of all time. And to note: Berry once said his career was “one long Sister Rosetta Tharpe impersonation’. Tharpe was a black female musician who invented rock n roll with her upbeat guitar playing.
February 11th Etta James: Known as a gospel prodigy, Etta James was a powerhouse in the music industry. Her most popular song “At Last” is probably the number 1 wedding song. She is known for her love ballads and deep sultry rhythms. She started singing in her church choir at the age of 5 as she had a beautiful smooth tone to her voice. James changed the industry for woman but especially for black woman as she gave the community a voice.
February 12th Louis Armstrong: one of the greatest trumpet players of all time, Louis Armstrong shaped the jazz industry. His most popular song “What a Wonderful World” has been featured in many movies. He was the first African American star in a Hollywood film. Armstrong died at the age of 69 from a heart attack.
February 13th Duke Ellington: Known for composing some of the greatest jazz songs in the late 20th century such as “in A Sentimental Mood” and “Sophisticated Lady”. Duke belonged to the biggest Jazz bands, and toured all over the world. He has been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and awarded a doctor of music degree from Yale University.
February 14th Maurice White: Co-founder and lead singer of the R&B music group Earth, Wind & Fire Maurice White was one of the first musicians to create the sonic sound of funk music. Known for their top songs such as “September” and “Let’s groove” Earth, Wind & Fire performed with and energetic spirit and flashy 70s and 80s fashion. White died at the age of 74 in his sleep.
February 15th Donna Summer: Known for her 70s hit “Hot Stuff”, Donna Summer slayed the Rock and Disco industry. She was called the “Queen of Disco” because of her amazing voice and catchy songs. Summer died at the age of 63 from Lung cancer.
February 16th Anita Ward: “Ring My Bell” was one the biggest Disco songs in the late 70s. Anita Ward has released music all the way up until the late 2010s. Her voice has a soothing high pitched tone that goes unmatched. She has inspired singers all around the world and is still living today.
February 17th Joan Armatrading: Known for her amazing guitar skills, beautiful voice and outstanding songwriting, Joan Armatrading is one of the most underrated 70s rock musicians. Still alive today and releasing music she has grown a huge following. Some of her most popular songs are “Love and Affection and “Drop the Pilot.”
February 18th Peggy Jones (Lady Bo): Known for her work with Bo Diddley, Lady Bo was an amazing yet underrated guitarist. When she was 10 she started playing the ukulele, then later started playing the guitar. She was the first female hired by a major rock artist and the first female to start her own blues rock band. Jones died at the age of 75 in 2015.
February 19th Tracy Chapman: Her poetic songs and deep smooth voice makes me cry. Her most well-known song “Fast Car” sheds light on issues such as racism and growing up poor. She has won multiple Grammys for her folk rock music and is still alive today at the age of 57.
February 20th Patti LaBelle: “Lady Marmalade” was her most popular song and a smashing hit in the 80s. With her incredible vocal range and girl-boss attitude, Labelle owned the Soul and Disco industry. Still alive today she is named “The Godmother of Soul.”
February 21st Diana Ross: Still alive and releasing music today, Diana Ross is a trailblazer in the music industry. Known for her solo music including releases such as “I’m Coming Out'“ and her work Lionel Richie and their hit song “Endless love”, Ross is an incredible performer. Her last album came out in 2021 and she continues to release new music.
February 22nd Lionel Richie: Known for his famous song “All Night Long” and now you can catch him as a judge on American idol. Richie is a very talented artist whose career started in the mid 80s. Still releasing music today, Lionel’s voice has not weakened one bit.
February 23rd Tina Turner: “What’s Love Got to Do with It” was Tina Turner’s number 1 song in the 80s. “Proud Mary” was her 90s hit along with her album What’s Love Got to Do with it? At the age of 82, she is still releasing music today.
February 24th Marvin Gaye: Known for his devilish good looks and sexy songs, Marvin Gaye was a 70s heartthrob. Some of his most popular songs were “Sexual Healing” and “Let’s Get it on.” Along with iconic classics like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “I Heard it Through the Grapevine.” Gaye unfortunately passed away at the young age of 44.
February 25th Nina Simone: One of the most mysterious musicians of all time, Nina Simone, released some incredible music. “Feeling Good” and “I Put a spell on You” are two of her most Beautiful and sexually powerful songs ever. (Editors Note: If you haven’t watched it, we highly recommend watched the documentary, ‘What Happened, Miss Simone?’)
February 26th Nat King Cole: Famously known for his jazzy love songs and Christmas tunes, Nat King Cole revolutionized jazz music. “L-O-V-E” is his most popular song as its been featured in many films. Cole died in 1965 at the age of 45.
February 27th Marian Anderson: Her operatic voice is hauntingly beautiful. Known for opening the doors for other African American musicians facing discrimination. Anderson sung mostly Christian and spiritual music. She was the first black woman to sing at the Lincoln memorial and at the New York Metropolitan Opera. Her rendition of “Ave Maria” is still one of the most memorable performances in the White House. Anderson Died in 1993 at the age of 93.
February 28th Leontyne Price: Still living today at the age of 95, Price is one of the most popular Opera singers to date. Price was the first African American to achieve an international reputation, becoming the first African American leading soprano of note. She also studied at The Julliard school of music which is where her career really began to take off.
28 days is not enough to fully encapsulate the impact Black artists had and still have on music. Their history should be celebrated year round. Black artists were crucial in the making of some of the greatest music of all time.
Check out some charities and non-profit organizations to support and donate to below…
Black AIDS awareness: https://blackaids.org
Apollo Theater: https://www.apollotheater.org
American Civil Liberties Union: https://www.aclu.org
Harlem Academy: https://www.aclu.org