Black Musical Influence in American Music and Beyond

Just to name Aretha Franklin, Prince, James Brown, Jimi Hendrix, Whitney Houston, Micheal Jackson, The Weeknd, and Frank Ocean, saying that African Americans do not influence what is popular in American music today is a disservice in itself. Without Black musicians and the art, they’ve produced for the world to hear—the music industry would be entirely different. They are the foundation of American musical culture. Their music is among the most poetic, rich in sound, and holds importance to the socio-cultural heritage of people around the world.

Their musical roots stem from the continent of Africa. From those shores, slaves were imported to the Americas, stripped of their humanity, and forced into inhumane and despicable enslavement; music was their solace in those dark and tragic times. Slaves were forced to convert to Christianity, so the blend of European Christianity to African music was the birth of Spirituals. Spirituals were used for many things: music to express the never-ending sorrow from enslavement, hope for freedom, and codes to plan escapes and rebellions. The popularity of Spirituals died down for a while but experienced a resurgence during the Civil Rights Movement. Spirituals expressed the oppression that still plagues Black people after the emancipation. They tell a story that should be heard.

“Music was not just a luxury to be enjoyed in free time but also a necessity to spiritual and physical survival.”

Mac Dressman and Yewande Ilawole

Ragtime music emerged during the mid-1890s and by the 1900s it flooded the music industry. Deeply rooted in African music, ragtime blended improvised tunes while maintaining a harmonic structure. Scott Joplin was known as the “father of ragtime” with his notable works: The Entertainer, The Ragtime Dance, and Weeping Willow. It was a unique genre of music that won its immense popularity from music lovers.

The Blues is a mixture of Spirituals, traditional songs, folk ballads, and chants. During those unbearable reins of slavery, slaves developed a “call and response” way of singing to give rhythm while they worked. The music itself is inclusive to every feeling. From sadness to happiness, Blues music evokes genuine emotion in its listeners. Blues music evolved immensely throughout the country—developing genres and influence in jazz, rock, country, and even classical music. B.B. King, Bessie Smith, and Buddy Guy are some of the most notable artists in this genre.

In the 1920s, jazz was the new musical craze in America. The Harlem Renaissance was during this time and was known as the rebirth of Black literature, music, and fashion. Jazz was played around the country by both African American and white bands, eventually becoming the sound of the roaring ‘20s. African American performers playing white clubs/audiences brought several racial conflicts (Cotton Club). Nonetheless, this widely acclaimed genre introduced some of the most excellent Black musicians to ever perform. Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday were known across North America. Until now, their music is still played and has influenced jazz musicians alike.

Post World War II era was the arrival of Rock and Roll, R&B, swing music, soul, and cool jazz. Chuck Berry was named the “Father of Rock and Roll” and wrote the famous song, Johnny B. Goode. Singers like Little Richard, James Brown, and Bo Diddley, helped set the trends in Rock and Roll music. In the 60s, Ray Charles and Sam Cooke combined gospel, blues, and jazz into one sound that became the preface of Soul music in the 60s.

The 60s was a decade for Civil Rights and a celebrated era for music. Many Black Americans started to style their hair in Afros and ditched the straight processed hairstyle. It was a time where they began to express themselves in appearance, deflect societal stereotypes, speak against injustice, and truly shine in themselves. Jimi Hendrix was known to be one of the most influential electric guitarists and most celebrated artists in the 20th century. Motown exploded in popularity during this time. It helped transform rhythm and blues (R&B) music into the Soul music of the 60s. Singers like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, and The Supremes released hits like My Girl, Superstition, What’s Going On, and You Can’t Hurry Love. The Jackson 5 began their group in 1965 created sensational music such as I’ll Be There and ABC. This would be the beginning of the career of one of the most loved musicians of all time, Micheal Jackson.

In the 70s, Disco, Funk, and Jazz Fusion were the main genres of the decade that would later create Hip-hop and Rap music. September by Earth, Wind & Fire with its iconic lines and melody, and I’m Every Woman by Chaka Khan dominated radio and music sales. Reggae was introduced in the late 60s but gained popularity in the 70s. This genre originated in Jamaica in the late 60s— producing artists like Bob Marley, Desmond Dekker, and Peter Tosh.

In the 80s was the rise for Pop music. Artists like Micheal Jackson with Thriller, Whitney Houston with I Wanna Dance with Somebody, and Prince with Purple Rain paved the pathway for music. Pop music is flexible and versatile as it blends sounds from a variety of musical genres such as soul, funk, and disco. This genre will soon influence the complexity, and continuation of the cultural and artistic sound for Rap and Hip Hop.

The 90s was the rise of Rap, Hip Hop music, and the emergence of R&B. This era, known as the Golden Age of Hip Hop, produced music icons that would dominate the music industry past the 90s, such as, 2Pac, Notorious B.I.G., Snoop Dog, Dr. Dre, and many others. Female groups like SMW, TLC, and Destiny’s Child would set the precedent for group pop/R&B music. Mariah Carey, Aaliyah, Lauryn Hill, and Mary J.Blige set the scene for female R&B songs of this era. This decade of music would promote the longevity and popularity of these prominent artists and rhythmic genres into the 21st century.

The 21st century was the height for R&B and solo music with the birth of artists like Ne-Yo, Ashanti, Usher, Beyonce, Rihanna, and Alicia Keys. The music followed by aesthetically creative and unique music videos such as Beyonce’s Single Ladies and Rihanna’s Umbrella. These artists will influence what is to come for the next decade of music.

The sound from the 2000s is similar to that of the 10s-beyond. In the 2010s, pop, alternative rock, trap, and continuation of hip hop influence dominated the charts. Lyricists like J.Cole, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, and Childish Gambino are some of the prominent figures in rap and hip hop in this era. Female rappers like Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, Doja Cat, and many more have cultivated a huge following, recognition in the industry, and dominated the charts. Sub-genres such as Alternative R&B and neo-soul have seen a rise with artists producing versatility and a new style to R&B with The Weeknd, Frank Ocean, Jhene Aiko, Bryson Tiller, and SZA. The new wave of rap music is something we’ve all heard or listened to at least once with rappers like Young Thug, Pop Smoke, Lil Uzi Vert, 21 Savage, Roddy Rich, and many others. These artists dominate American music today and will only evolve from here.

“This cultural phenomenon is showing no signs of slowing down, and it is exceedingly exciting to see where it will go from here.”

Danny Corvino

The dominance of Black/African American culture is prominent in American music for decades. It has produced talented vocalists, amazing lyricists, and interpretive music we all enjoy. These genres and music are generational, passed down from Jazz, Funk, Motown, Reggae, and many more. What’s powerful about Black influence in music today is that it never fails to inspire future artists, vocalists, and producers around the world. It continues to motivate people to create a movement, connect with each other, and speak their truth.