During Black History Month, it is important to take a moment to appreciate the contributions of some of the most influential African American musicians of the past century.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH — African American music history is a rich tapestry woven from a variety of genres and styles, each with its own unique contributions to the cultural fabric of our nation. During Black History Month, it is important to take a moment to appreciate the contributions of some of the most influential African American musicians of the past century. Many are featured in this year’s Black History Playlist.
Listen on:
One of the most iconic groups of the 1960s and 1970s, The Delfonics, were known for their smooth R&B sound and soulful ballads. Their hit songs, such as "La-La Means I Love You" and "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)," helped to establish what became known as The Sound of Philadelphia (TSOP) and paved the way for future soul and R&B artists. The Delfonics' sound was heavily influenced by the late Thom Bell, a songwriter, and record producer, who helped to produce and write hit songs for acts such as The Delfonics and The Stylistics. He was a key figure in the development of TSOP, which was characterized by rich orchestral arrangements, lush strings, and soulful vocals.
Behind the music there are always brilliant instrumentalists, songwriters, and producers. Lamont Dozier, a songwriter and record producer, was a key figure in the development of the Motown Sound. He was part of the renowned Holland-Dozier-Holland songwriting and production team, who are recognized for their numerous Motown hit songs and contribution to musical history. Dozier went on to produce and write hit songs for such acts as The Four Tops and The Supremes. There was also Bernard Wright, a keyboardist and songwriter who was known for his fusion of jazz, funk, and R&B. His hit songs, such as "Haboglabotribin" and "Who Do You Love," helped to popularize jazz-funk in the 1980s. His legacy lives on forever.
Then there was Ramsey Lewis, a jazz pianist and composer, known for his soulful and melodic style. His hit songs, such as "The 'In' Crowd" and "Hang On Sloopy," helped to popularize jazz and bring it to a wider audience. He was known for his ability to blend jazz with other popular genres such as R&B and funk, making his music more accessible to a wider audience, and he was a trailblazer of the jazz-fusion movement of the 1970s.
Black women in music have paved the way for the many of the industry sounds that we have come to love. Within that realm, there are some unsung heros. Betty Davis was a trailblazer for women in the music industry, known for her bold and unapologetic lyrics that tackled issues such as gender and race. Her albums, such as "Nasty Gal" and "They Say I'm Different," were ahead of their time and continue to be celebrated for their fearless and unyielding nature. With her powerful voice and her fierce attitude, she paved the way for future generations of female artists who would take control of their own careers and demand to be heard. The Pointer Sisters, a trio of talented siblings, are known for their energetic and soulful performances. Their hit songs, such as "I'm So Excited" and "Jump (For My Love)," helped to bring R&B and funk to a mainstream audience. They were known for their powerful harmonies and dynamic stage presence, which helped to make them one potent force. They blended the styles of gospel and R&B seamlessly into the American music pallet.
Hip-hop is a form of self-expression that gushed waves of inspiration throughout the course of American music history. There are artists that are often not mentioned in the history of hip-hop, but that certainly deserve recognition for their contributions. Coolio, a rapper from the 1990s, was known for his hit songs such as "Gangsta's Paradise" and "Fantastic Voyage." His music helped to popularize West Coast hip-hop and establish it as a mainstream genre. He was known for his smooth flow and catchy hooks, which helped to make his music accessible to a wide audience. He was a trailblazer for the West Coast sound, which would go on to influence many future hip-hop artists.
The Migos, a hip-hop group formed in 2008, have become one of the most successful hip-hop acts of the 21st century. Their hit songs, such as "Bad and Boujee" and "MotorSport" have helped to popularize the Atlanta trap sound and make it a staple in the rap genre. The Migos have been instrumental in shaping the sound of modern trap music, with their catchy hooks and memorable ad-libs becoming a staple in the genre. They have been credited with popularizing the use of the triplet flow, which is characterized by the use of three syllables per beat and has since been adopted by many other artists.
In conclusion, the contributions of African American musicians like The Delfonics, Betty Davis, Coolio, the Migos, Ramsey Lewis, The Pointer Sisters, Thom Bell, Lamont Dozier, Bernard Wright, and Mtume have played a significant role in shaping the sound of popular music for generations to come. Their music has helped to establish new genres, cross over boundaries and influence many artists and it has helped to bring attention to important social and political issues through their lyrics and performances. Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate their contributions and to continue to appreciate the diversity and richness of African American music. It is also a moment to reflect on the ongoing fight for equality and representation in the music industry and to recognize the work of the current and future generations of African American musicians who will continue to shape the sound of popular music.
