What would the world be like without music? Indeed, this is a perfect time to consider black history month: the most influential musicians who changed music.
These great artists can be found in the roots of R&B, hip-hop, jazz, soul, pop, gospel, and even folk and disco music. Here are a small collection of Black musicians who helped shape music as we know it today.
TINA TURNER
Surely, you can picture the “Queen Of Rock’n’Roll”. Not just in her stiletto heels but with her iconic voice known straight from the 60s. Yes, you should know Tina Turner since Rolling Stone magazine featured her as their first female and the first Black artist on their magazine cover.
Furthermore, you can talk about her formidable stage presence and strutting dance moves. She assisted in teaching Mick Jagger his dance moves in the 60s dance 60s dance The Pony. Meanwhile, Lady Gaga and Madonna borrowed from her for their legs-akimbo moves.
To cement her legacy as a most influential Black musician, you may consider the fact that President Biden adopted her signature anthem, The Best for his acceptance speech.
MARVIN GAYE
Truly, you can hardly mention classic artists from the R&B scene without mentioning Marvin Gaye. He is not only known for his soulful rhythms (check out his 1973 album hit: Let’s Get It On). His work is diverse and relevant to the times. for instance, you can pick lessons on political injustice from his 1971’s What’s Going On. Similarly, he questioned America’s role in the Vietnam war (What’s Happening Brother).
MICHAEL JACKSON
Surely, it will be difficult to dethrone the King of Pop in this era. A prominent and influential Black musician, Michael Jackson defined today’s music era in more ways than one.
His role was prominent as one f the Jackson brothers in Motown act Jackson 5. Thereafter, he went solo including ever-green pop records such as Thriller and Bad.
BOB MARLEY
Talk about music living beyond time. Bob Marley reigned as a famous reggae artist not just in the 60s and 70s but beyond that. If you are looking for high-impact songs that are groovy and catchy, Bob Marley’s Wailers will always do you one solid. Examples of such tracks abound including Redemption Song which introduced a message of unity and peace. another great song is Get Up, Stand Up.
PRINCE
Talk about being diverse. Prince was known for merging music across genres such as pop, soul, funk, and R&B. for reference, you can check out tracks such as 1999, Raspberry Beret, Purple Rain, and When Doves Cry.
From the 80s his amazing falsetto, great performances, and influence continue to resonate across various music genres.
STEVIE WONDER
He may have lost his eyesight at a young age but Stevie Wonder never let that be a limitation. After all, he was able to top the Billboard charts at 13 – the youngest artist to do so.
More so, he effortlessly blends his music across genres. This cuts across pop, soul, funk, jazz, and R&B.
As an influential artist, he has been known to support important causes. One prime example is his singles supporting Black Lives Matter protests. Another is his participation in the campaign for Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday to be recognized as a national US holiday.
ARETHA FRANKLIN
Although Aretha Franklin passed away in 2018, the world cannot forget her music so quickly. Yes, you may know the soul music legend from hit tracks such as (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman and Respect. Indeed, her many notable musical hits make her one of the best 60s female singers.
Although she began her musical journey in gospel music, she worked in other genres such as R&B, blues, jazz, and rock’n’roll.
As we celebrate Black History Month: Most influential musicians, we cannot help but remember these and the many other artists for their contributions.
