Here are some of my favorite Black artists in semi-chronological order. They range in style and feel, but when I say listen, listen to not only their music, but what they have to say through their music and in life. This list includes both composers and performers of music.
There are SO MANY artists not listed here. This is just a very small portion of Black artists throughout history to today, but there are so many more that deserve just as much recognition and everyone should just fall into a music hole of discovery and keep listening.
Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-George (1745 - 1799)
Going back to the world of classical music, Bologne is remembered as one of the first, if not the first, major classical composers of African lineage. A French composer, violinist, and renowned fencer, Joseph Bologne was a man of many talents.
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (15 August 1875 – 1 September 1912)
An English composer, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor was born into a musical family. His grandfather taught him how to play violin, but he later switched to composing in his teens when attending the Royal Academy of Music. His children, a son and daughter, both became professional musicians taking after their father. At the age of 24, he became the youngest delegate at the 1900 Pan-African Conference.
Florence Beatrice Price (9 April 1887 - 3 June 1953)
The first African-American woman to be recognized as a symphonic composer and played by major orchestras, Price’s work draws inspiration from African-American Church music and Southern roots. She is not only a composer, but also a pianist, organist, and teacher. Price has also been a part of the long debate, is her “Symphony No.1 in E Minor” the true American Symphony?
Scott Joplin (24 November 1868 - 1 April 1917)
A composer of over 100 rags, Scott Joplin was dubbed the “King of Ragtime.” His “Maple Leaf Rag” is now one of the most famous works of ragtime music to the point that it’s the first piece people think of when thinking of that style.
William Grant Still (11 May 1895 - 3 December 1978)
William Grant Still was the first African-American musician to conduct a major symphony orchestra in the United States. He was a prolific composer, writing five symphonies, nine operas, and a list of over two hundred works (including solo pieces, ballets, and choral music). Not only did he write music, but he had a love for playing instruments from a young age. Learning violin formally, he self-taught himself clarinet, saxophone, oboe, cello, double bass, and viola.
Ma Rainey (26 April 1886 - 22 December 1939)
Known as the “Mother of Blues”, Ma Rainey crafted some of the essential building blocks for what we call the blues today. Not holding back the punches in her lyrics, she spoke the truth and presented her true self on stage every performance.
Bessie Smith (15 April 1894 - 26 September 1937)
Crowned the “Empress of the Blues”, Bessie Smith set what is meant to be a popular performer in the 20th century. At first glance, she presented the glamorous style of an entertainer, but once she was in front of a microphone, she poured out her soul. Singing her truth, her experiences made her real to the audience. Following suit with the no BS blues style, Smith sang what real people were experiencing at the time.
Lucille Bogan (1 April 1897 - 10 August 1948)
Lucille Bogan, who performed under the name “Bessie Jackson”, would definitely have an “explicit” warning next to her songs. She sang what everyone filtered out of their speech, leaning heavily on sex and drinking. From her songs like “B.D. Woman's Blues” and “Shave ‘em Dry”, she would even surprise herself sometimes with the lyrics she came up with.
Louis Armstrong (4 August 1901 - 6 July 1971)
One of the most influential jazz figures whose presence took over the stage, Louis Armstrong is one of those jazz house names that everyone should know. Playing with all the greats, himself included, there are many accounts of his fun and playful nature that carries on the stage.
Mary Lou Williams (8 May 1910 - 28 May 1981)
A musical prodigy at a young age, Williams used her piano skills to combat the racist treatment her family was receiving from white neighbors. Later in life, she had a successful music career composing and arranging songs for other big name jazz musicians, and making a name for herself while building friendships and mentorships with rising artists.
Ella Fitzgerald (25 April 1917 - 15 June 1996)
You can call her the “Queen of Jazz” as her voice danced around the band with her improvisation and scatting. With a tremendously long career, Ella Fitzgerald was known for numerous records such as “Dream a little Dream of Me”, “Summertime”, and “Cheek to Cheek”.
Duke Ellington (29 April 1899 - 24 May 1974)
One of the greatest jazz composers and bandleaders of his time, Ellington was known all over the US and had a successful tour through Europe. Based in New York City, his fame grew at the Harlem venue, the Cotton Club. From there his fame just kept climbing, writing thousands of songs that are now considered standards for all jazz performers.
Dizzy Gillespie (21 October 1917 - 6 January 1993)
A virtuosic trumpeter and improviser, Gillespie added a new spin on the world of soloing with complex rhythms and deep harmonies. This led to the popularity of bebop.
Thelonious Monk (10 October 1917 - 17 February 1982)
The second most recorded jazz composer, Thelonious Monk played from a different perspective than the rest of the jazz world. He used dissonance in a way that made the attacks of each note sharper and ear-catching. Though a style not taken by many listeners, his contribution made others think about harmony a little deeper.
Billie Holiday (7 April 1915 - 17 July 1959)
With a vocal style that pioneered a new era of jazz and pop music, Billie Holiday is one of the most influential vocalists and improvisers.
John Coltrane (23 September 1926 - 17 July 1967)
A saxophonist and composer, Coltrane was one of the pioneers to the movement of free jazz. Through improvisation, he experimented with modes and ways to break the forms of jazz that have been placed.
Charlie Parker (29 August 1920 - 12 March 1955)
“They teach you there's a boundary line to music. But, man, there's no boundary line to art.” - Charlie Parker.
A leading figure in bebop, Parker’s solos and songs had a deep understanding of harmony and rhythm. He gained the nickname “Yardbird”, bringing the “Yardbird Suite” later in 1946.
Ray Charles (23 September 1930 - 10 June 2004)
Blinded when he was a child due to glaucoma, Charles was named “The Genius” that pioneered the soul era. Ray Charles did not let genre limit his writing, he contributed music and crossed over through country, blues, and pop.
Nina Simone (21 February 1933 - 21 April 2003)
Nina Simone was a musician that bridged the “genre.” At a young age she aspired to be a concert pianist, then ventured into singing when she had to sing at cocktail bars accompanying herself. Binding classical, gospel, and pop music into one, Simone created a unique jazz style to accompany her contralto voice.
James Brown (3 May 1933 - 25 December 2005)
One of the first to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, James Brown is a performer through and through. A musician, dancer, music producer, and bandleader, Brown was known as the “Godfather of Soul.”
Etta James (25 January 1938 - 20 January 2012)
With a deep and earthy voice, Etta James sang jazz, soul, rock and roll, and everything in between. Her hits such as “At Last”, “Something’s Got a Hold on Me”, and “The Wallflower” set her spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Blues Hall of Fame, and the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Marvin Gaye (2 April 1939 - 1 April 1984)
The “Prince of Motown” himself, Marvin Gaye rose from an in-house session player to putting out his own hit records. With a four octave range, Gaye can reach those deep and rich notes and climb to his tenor range for a bright tone when needed.
Tina Turner (born 26 November 1939)
Tina Turner, dubbed the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” had to have a quick double take to remind the world of her greatness. Starting her career in the 60s, Turner climbed to the top with Ike Turner as a duo, but disbanded in 1976. That did not stop her from launching her own career though. In the 80s, Tina Turner had one of the most successful comebacks in music history soaring to no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Julius Eastman (27 October 1940 - 28 May 1990)
"Black to the fullest, a musician to the fullest, a homosexual to the fullest." - Julius Eastman, 1976
A composer, pianist, and vocalist whose work extends past minimalism, Julius Eastman was an activist through his creation of “organic music.”
Aretha Franklin (25 March 1942 - 16 August 2018)
A young child singing gospel at her church, Aretha Franklin grew to be known as the “ Queen of Soul.” Franklin was not only a musician, but also an actress and civil rights activist. She appeared in the 1980 film The Blues Brothers before releasing a line of successful albums.
Jimi Hendrix (27 November 1942 - 18 September 1970)
“Arguably the greatest instrumentalist in the history of rock music,” as stated by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Jimi Hendricks had one the most impactful, yet short, mainstream spotlight careers spanning only four years.
Diana Ross (born 26 March 1944)
With the hit “Ain't no Mountain High Enough,” that still plays on repeat in everyone’s mind when mentioned, Diana Ross rose to fame as the lead vocalist of Motown’s The Supremes. To this day, they remain the best-charting female vocal group in US history.
Patti LaBelle (born 24 May 1944)
Patty LaBelle is a singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman that has had a long and successful career that continues till today. Kicking off with our favorite disco classic “Lady Marmalade” in 1970 to her role in American Horror Stories: Freak Show, LaBelle has never skipped a beat in her career.
Bob Marley (6 February 1945 - 11 May 1981)
A pioneer of reggae, Bob Marley’s music fused genres like reggae, ska, and rock to form a unique sound. He was a strong advocate for Pan-Africanism and the legalization of marijuana.
Donna Summer (31 December 1948 - 17 May 2012)
Our wonderful “Queen of Disco,” Donna Summer was a global sensation. Influenced by the counterculture in the 60s, she was the lead singer of a psychedelic rock band, Crow. After starring in the role of Sheila for the counterculture musical, Hair, Summer was asked to play the role in Munich, Germany. There she became fluent in German and performed in a number of musicals.
Eleanor Alberga (born 30 September 1949)
Deciding she was going to be a concert pianist at the age of five, Eleanor Alberga did exactly that. She studied at the Royal Academy of Music, and performed as a concert pianist after graduating. In 2001, Alberga retired from her career as a performer to concentrate fully on composing.
Lionel Richie (20 June 1949)
Getting into funk with Lionel Richie, a singer, songwriter, actor, and record producer. As a member of the Commodores and launching a solo career in 1982, Richie is known for a funky sound and an easy-to-listen ballad style.
Stevie Wonder (born 13 May 1950)
Stevie Wonder is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and overall “genius” musician. His use of synthesisers and various electronic instruments, marked him as a one-man band. Becoming blind shortly after birth did not stop Wonder from having one of the most successful music careers of all time.
Chaka Khan (born 23 March 1953)
The “Queen of Funk” and first R&B artist to have a rapper featured on a hit track, Chaka Khan has had a nonstop career with over 70 million record sales worldwide.
Pamela Z (born 1956)
Pamela Z is a multimedia artist and composer who is best known for her work with live electronics and voice. Through the live processing of her voice, Z builds layers of different timbres and rhythms guiding the listener through harmonic spaces.
Michael Jackson (29 August 1958 - 25 June 2005)
Crowned the “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson is a household name throughout the entire world. A singer, songwriter, and dancer, Michael Jackson captivated audiences with his amazing stage presence. From his youth with the Jackson 5 to his long solo career, he never missed a beat when it came to capturing the spotlight.
Prince (7 June 1958 - 21 April 2016)
Prince is regarded as one of the greatest musicians of all time. His work spans a multitude of genres and his captivating persona wooed the audience. A prolific songwriter of his time, he released 39 albums, but an unknown amount of Prince’s work was never released.
Whitney Houston (9 August 1963 - 11 February 2012)
The “Most Awarded Female Artist of All Time”, Whitney Houston has sold over 200 million records worldwide. Singing in church as a young child, Houston was signed to a label at the age of 19 and started climbing the charts from there.
Janet Jackson (born 16 May 1966)
One the best selling artists of all time selling over 100 million records worldwide, Janet Jackson still holds a strong music career today. Her music incorporates rhythm and blues, funk, disco, and rap which make up her unique pop sound.
Jay-Z (born 4 December 1969)
Jay-Z is arguably one of the greatest rappers of all time. From founding his record label and building a music empire that has made him the wealthiest American musician and fifth wealthiest African-American, Jay-Z has become one of the most influential Black artists to date.
Tupac Shakur (16 June 1971 - 13 September 1996)
Manhattan born, but after relocating to the Bay Area, Tupac Shakur became one of the most prominent figures in the West Coast Hip-hop scene. After his death, Shakur left a long lasting legacy. Releasing five albums and being inducted into both the Hip-hop Hall of Fame and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Tupac Shakur will be remembered as one of the greatest.
Erykah Badu (born 26 February 1971)
A record producer, singer-songwriter, and actress the Queen of Neo Soul, Erykah Badu, catches the attention of her audience with her voice and her style. Badu is an activist that established her own charity, B.L.I.N.D , to provide community development for inner-city youth through the arts.
The Notorious B.I.G. (21 May 1972 - 9 March 1997)
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York City, the Notorious B.I.G., had deep roots in the New York scene. As the rise in popularity of the West Coast rap scene, Biggie made sure the spot light did not forget other coast. This led to the East Coast- West Coast Hip-hop feud.
Lauryn Hill (born 26 May 1975)
Ms. Lauryn Hill is one of the greatest rappers of all time. A singer, songwriter, rapper, and producer, Hill opened the world’s eyes to female rappers. Lauryn Hill’s songs are filled with artfully constructed melodies that fit the lyrics masterfully.
Andre 3000 (born 27 May 1975)
A singer, songwriter, actor, and philanthropist, Andre 3000 has shown his talent through all types of media. A true storyteller in his work, Andre draws inspiration from the roots Black music, primarily the funk era.
Aaliyah (16 January 1979 - 25 August 2001)
A new queen has been appointed, the “Queen of Urban Pop”, Aaliyah. She envisioned what it means to be a contemporary R&B, Hip-hop, and Pop artist, and set a new wave for music today.
Beyoncé (born 4 September 1981)
Queen Bey needs little introduction as she is one of the most influential musicians in today’s music scene. Claiming stardom as a member of Girl’s Tyme, changing to Destiny’s Child in 1997, and then branching out to a solo career, Beyoncé has reached the world with her music.
Janelle Monae (born 1 December 1985)
Long may they reign, Janelle Monae is an accomplished singer-songwriter, actor, rapper, and record producer. If you are not hearing them on one of their albums released from 2003 till now, you might see them playing amazing roles in Academy Award winning films such as Moonlight.
Lizzo (born 27 April 1988)
A Queen that sings, raps, and plays the flute can win the hearts of millions of people around the world. Lizzo speaks the truth that her listeners connect to, reminding everyone to love themselves as they are.
SZA (born 8 November 1989)
A singer and songwriter, SZA started with a self released EP in 2012 before signing with a label. Her first studio album reached no. 3 on the Billboard chart in 2017, and it was only up from there. SZA’s music relates to her audience. She doesn’t hesitate to tell a story that she knows someone needs to hear and for them to realize that others go through the same.
By Kyle Morrow - February 3, 2021
Posted via Pitch & Tonic