How Black Artists Influenced Today’s Music
The influence of black artists on the music of today cannot be understated. Music would not be what it is today without the contributions and impact of black musicians, producers, songwriters, and more. This piece seeks to explore the broad history of black musicians in the modern music landscape and how their contributions have influenced today’s music.
From Jazz to Hip-Hop: The Evolution of Black Music
African American musical influence has been a staple of American music for decades. From jazz and blues to soul, funk, and hip-hop, black musicians have left an indelible mark on popular music. Over the years, as music has evolved, black artists have led the way.
Jazz
The prevalence of jazz in modern music began early in the 20th century. The music was most popularly associated with American cities such as New Orleans and Chicago, where black communities were beginning to express themselves musically. Jazz was a driving force in the development of swing, bebop, and later, fusion.
Notable Jazz Instrumentalists and Band Leaders:
• Miles Davis
• Louis Armstrong
• Duke Ellington
• Thelonious Monk
• Count Basie
• Charlie Parker
Blues
Blues grew out of the African American experience in the South. It was a direct descendant of jazz, with the addition of a more rhythm-based sound. Although blues is usually associated with electric blues, some of the earliest blues musicians were acoustic.
Notable Blues Guitarists:
• Robert Johnson
• Muddy Waters
• John Lee Hooker
• BB King
• Buddy Guy
Soul, Funk, and Disco
Soul music grew out of gospel and blues in the 1950s, drawing on elements of both. Unlike jazz and blues, soul was more accessible and had a greater focus on vocals. The 70s saw the introduction of funk, with its tight rhythms and grooves. At the same time, disco was emerging and bringing with it a new wave of black artists.
Notable Soul, Funk and Disco Performers:
• Marvin Gaye
• Stevie Wonder
• James Brown
• Aretha Franklin
• Donna Summer
• Earth, Wind and Fire
The Rise of Hip-Hop
Hip-hop music began in the Bronx in the 1970s, and has since grown to become one of the most influential genres of music in the world. Hip-hop was an extension of the burgeoning black music culture, but with a focus on rap and spoken-word. Today, hip-hop is arguably the most popular genre of music, with a massive influence on the music of today.
Notable Hip-Hop/Rap Artists:
• Run-D.M.C.
• Public Enemy
• Dr. Dre
• Wu-Tang Clan
• OutKast
• Eminem
• Jay-Z
• Kanye West
• Drake
Production and Songwriting
It is not simply the performers that have left an impression on music. Black producers, songwriters, and more have made a substantial impact on music production and writing. From songwriting to mixing, these individuals have helped to shape the sound of today’s music.
Notable Producers:
• Quincy Jones
• Pharrell Williams
• Timbaland
• Rick Rubin
• Erick Sermon
Notable Songwriters:
• Smokey Robinson
• Lauryn Hill
• Bruno Mars
• Babyface
• Alicia Keys
The Impact of Black Music
The influence of black artists on music cannot be understated. From jazz to hip-hop, and from production to songwriting, the contributions of black musicians, producers, and songwriters extend beyond genre. Black music has had a major influence on today’s music, and without it, the landscape would be unrecognizable.
