America’s roots music is utterly filled with the impact of the African-American community, from the blues to zydeco, and from jazz to hip-hop, through slave-era spirituals about struggle and self-empowerment, to the progenitors of rock and roll. A better way to commemorate Black Past Month than by listening to the amazing music that African-American musicians and authors have brought to the American narrative is by learning about the history.
African-American musicians have had a huge impact on the development of folk music. Songs from the African-American community are frequently associated with struggle, empowerment, human rights, and endurance.
As far back as African-American history stretches, it has been accompanied by a soundtrack of incredible music. Some of the most timeless songs of empowerment and perseverance come from the American slave fields and communities of forced immigrants held in bondage throughout the early country.
Important Black Folk Artists
Carolina Chocolate Drops
Elizabeth Cotten
Richie Havens
Keb Mo
Leadbelly
Ma Rainey
Odetta
Toshi Reagon
Sweet Honey in the Rock
