Whats Goin On with Marvin Gaye? Marvin Gaye is responsible for some of the most iconic love anthems of all time. As a singer, songwriter, and record producer, the versatility of his artistry is undeniable. After his tragic death in 1984, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and because of […]
Tina Turner: Queen of Rock and Roll Known for her stage presence, hair, red lipstick, and versatility between genres. Tina turner is inarguably the Queen of Rock and Roll. Her music is described as electrifying and edgy and may just be one of the greatest performers of this lifetime. Tina Turner knocked down barriers in […]
The Evolution of Gospel Music Gospel music is a genre of Christian Music that can be traced back to the 17th Century but emerged in the 20th Century. There are visible similarities in the hymns and call and response songs leading up to the gospel era. Artists such as Hezekiah Walker, Tamela Mann, Fred Hammond, […]
Mamie Smith: Black Women Making Waves in Blues
Mamie Smith was a groundbreaking singer, dancer, pianist and actress of the early 20th century. Born as Mamie Robinson in Cincinnati, Ohio, Mamie is known today as one of the pioneers of blues and an key figure it the commodification of African American Music. Mamie went on to sing “Harlem Blues”, “That Thing Called Love”, […]
The Golden Gate Quartet Formation of the Group In the mid 1930’s 4 highschool students from Norfol, VA joined together to create what was initially called the Golden Gate Jubilee Quartet. They gained momentum by performing for local churches and radio shows ultimately getting the attention of the record label, Victor. Though they sang mostly […]
Disco Disco made its peak in the 70s as dance music that came out of nightclubs. Led by Donna Summer, KC and the Sunshine Gang, Kool and the Gang, Chaka Khan, Gloria Gaynor, and so many more, disco was more than just a genre of music, it was a movement. With Motown and funk influence, […]
Jazz: Ragtime roots Where Did Jazz Come From? Ragtime was a genre that combined musical composition and dance with a unique syncopated rhythm and decorative melodies. It was a popular style of American music beginning from the 1890s to the early 1900s. Despite its decline in the 20th century, ragtime was the forerunner of Jazz. […]
Negro Spirituals: The Slave Songbook
The Christian themed backbone of gospel music in the form of religious work songs with African rhythm and common chanting styles that initially served as a coping mechanism for slavery but has served for all forms of black plight in America.
Tracy Chapman: Music Activist
Tracy Chapman was a revolutionary black woman who used her music to express social and political discontent and promote activism, especially for black women. Her undeniable musical talent is just a small portion of what ultimately makes her arguably one of the most successful and highly praised singer-songwriters of our time. EARLY LIFE Tracy was […]
