From jazz musicians to hip hop lyricists and pop starlets, African American artists have been shaping the music industry for decades. Groundbreaking African American artists throughout history have left an indelible mark and established the foundations for later generations to build upon. In this article, we’ll explore just a handful of African American artists from multiple musical genres who have broken boundaries and revolutionized their art.
Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul
Aretha Franklin, the “Queen of Soul,” first began singing at the age of 14. She became the first musical artist at Atlantic Records to record her own material and had her first number one single, “Respect” in 1967. Not only was Franklin’s sound steeped in rhythm and blues, she had a powerful voice, incredible range and she masterfully fused jazz and soul music. She topped the Billboard R&B Singles Chart 18 times and received 17 Grammy Awards, one of which was a Lifetime Achievement Award, among many other awards.
Ray Charles: Revolutionizing Music
Music industry pioneer Ray Charles is best known for the number one hit song “What’d I Say.” He revolutionized popular music by blending genres like gospel, jazz and country to create a new sound. He was a multi-instrumentalist, mastering the electric piano, vibraphone and organ in early R&B. He won nine Grammy Awards and secured his place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
James Brown: Godfather of Soul
James Brown is often called the “Godfather of Soul Music” due to the innovation he brought to the genre. He was known for his high-energy performances, five-octave vocal range and pioneered the funk music genre. He won two Grammy Awards and released 11 number one R&B singles.
Marvin Gaye: A Motown Icon
Soul singer Marvin Gaye is best known for his socio-political messages and classic Motown records. His smooth and soulful delivery captivated listeners and he is remembered for hits like “What’s Going On” and “Sexual Healing.” He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and won 10 Grammy Awards.
Looking to the Future:
Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar is one of the most respected rappers of today. He’s instantly recognizable due to his raw lyrical content, rapid-fire delivery and fearlessness. His sound pays homage to hip hop greats before him while still exploring new territories with his varied and in-depth lyrics. Kendrick has won 11 Grammy Awards, and holds the record for most Grammy Awards won by a rap artist in one night.
Stevie Wonder: The Ultimate Showman
Stevie Wonder was born blind but had a gifted ear and learned to play several instruments. He’s known for chart-topping hits like “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” and “Superstition.” He’s a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and singer, and wove elements of funk, rock and soul music into everything he recorded or performed. He won 25 Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice.
Michael Jackson: The King of Pop
Michael Jackson’s fame skyrocketed with the release of his album Thriller, considered one of the best-selling albums of all time. His groundbreaking music video for “Thriller” was considered the first promotional video to transform the concept of music in video form, and it remains iconic today. He won 13 Grammys and established himself as one of the most successful entertainers in the world.
Beyonce: A Global Superstar
Beyonce has made a name for herself as a global superstar. In 2003, she released her first solo album, Dangerously In Love, which contained five number one hits and won her five Grammy Awards in a single night. She has since released five additional solo albums and become one of the top-selling artists in the world.
Bob Marley: Reggae Royalty
Bob Marley is to reggae music what Elvis Presley is to rock and roll. He was the founder of reggae music and a pioneer in that genre. Marley had a career that spanned from the 1960s until his death in 1981. He released over 20 studio albums and his hits like “No Woman, No Cry” and “Three Little Birds” are still popular today. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and won numerous awards during his lifetime.
Throughout history, African Americans have made major contributions to music. The groundbreaking African American artists showcased in this article have helped shape the face of music today. They have pushed boundaries, revolutionized their art and inspired many generations of musicians. Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Kendrick Lamar, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Beyonce and Bob Marley are all undeniable legends.
And though there are too few today given the amount of influence African American artists have given to the world, many modern artists follow in their footsteps to create unique sounds, merge genres and be boundary-breaking creative forces.
