There would be no American music as we know it without the contributions of Black artists. Since the first African music was brought over by people in bondage as early as the 15th century, Black singers and musicians have had a hand in every aspect of American music’s evolution. From country-western, the foundation of which was banjo music from Africa, to rock ‘n’ roll, first played by a Black woman on electric guitar in 1938, each genre of American music has a Black artist (or many) who helped create it.
In addition to establishing new sounds, Black musicians worked to advance civic life, as well. They helped bring about an end to segregation, with the likes of Josephine Baker, Ray Charles, and dozens more refusing to play to segregated crowds, with white allies like The Beatles taking similar stands. They also used their music to advance messages; from Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit” to Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come.”
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