It is no secret that due to the history of the formation of America, the culture here is a big melting pot of customs and traditions of national and global origin. However, when we speak of authentic American culture, created from scratch and original the Black American influence is intertwined and often the creator and or innovator. Black American culture is reflected in American cuisine some may argue that soul food is the only original American creation, and how we express ourselves with style/fashion trends, hairdos/cuts, dance, and music. The design of genres in music such as Gospel, Blues, Country, Jazz, Bee Bop, Rock'n Roll, Soul & Early R&B were the results of Black American creativity. Let's take a walk down memory lane.
Blues began in the 1860's deep in the American South. Blues music reflected the heart, soul, pain, joy, and historical happenings of Black American people. After the American Civil War Blues music was an outlet for oppression and the economic disenfranchisement of Black people. W.C. Handy Composed "Memphis Blues", published and popularized in 1912. While he is not a pioneer, Blues artist and musician B.B. King has perfected and proliferated Blues as we know it today.
1917-Jazz-, Birthed in New Orleans, renowned Jazz Musician and singer Louis Armstrong aka "Satchmo" affectionately referred to for his scat singing technique was a musical genius. Pianist, Composer, and Band Leader, Duke Ellington composed over 3,000 songs, some of his compositions were outside his typical genre and laid the foundation for some of the earlier stages of Pop music.
1920s-Gospel, Black Gospel music is the melodic praise of Black American Christians and is often referenced as the foundation of all Black American genres of music. Gospel lyrics inspired by negro spirituals told the stories of former enslavement and ancestral ties. Mahalia Jackson is credited as the most influential vocalist of her time; she was a civil rights activist and one of the greatest in gospel music discography.
1940s-Bebop was a reactionary expression to the restrictions placed on swing bands. Its name stemmed from the scatting lyrics of jazz vocalists. (be, doo, bop, bop, be,doo.) The sound of fast pace and aggressive tempos instrumented by band leader Dizzy Gillespie who was a pianist, vocalist, and great trumpeter. His technique and puffy cheeks used circular breathing which effortlessly allowed for fewer breaks, to play louder, and higher pitches.
1948-Doo Wop, Pioneered by Bill King and the Mills Brothers. The Mills brothers had the most songs stolen from them by white groups practically creating the "White Doo Wop" sound. Doo Wop originated from the Black American communities in major cities like Detroit, D.C., New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Philadelphia.
1950s & 1960s-Soul & Early R&B, Jamesetta Hawkins AKA Etta James takes it all in this category. The 'At Last' songstress gave listeners a primal taste of what is R&B today. Ray Charles also made pioneering contributions as a soulful R&B artist. He composed and collaborated on numerous chart-topping hits for the genre.
1954-Rock 'n' Roll, Rosetta Tharpe, and Chuck Barry cannot go without mention in terms of spearheading a sound that has inspired numerous rock bands globally. Rosetta modernized gospel music by incorporating the guitar in her musical performances and Chuck evolved blues into rock music.
mid-1960s-Funk, James Brown was a dominant force in funk. The 'Get on Up' singer intended for you to do just that at the sound of his music. Labeled the Godfather of Soul, James' discography would preface the biggest most profitable genre' (hip hop) out of Black American Culture.
1970s-House, Created by Frankie Knuckles, a Chicago native who Dj'd warehouse parties. He named House music after the location of the parties when partygoers requested a fast-tempo music selection. Knuckles is homaged as the Godfather of the house.
1974-Disco, Gloria Gaynor and Donna Summers gave disco its flare. Gaynor's "I Will Survive" and Summer's "Last Dance" made disco 70's party era.
1979-Hip Hop, Curtis “Blow” Walker was the first mainstream rapper. However, the first rap emcee ever was Coke La Rock and the Sugar Hill Gang; Kool Herc was their DJ. If recognition is given to DJ Kool Herc for being the DJ for Sugar Hill Gang, then we must also acknowledge Kool DJ Dee and Tyrone the Mixologist. Hip Hop's earliest influencers are James Brown and his "the hustlers" album. During this time mastering wasn't a thing, DJs would speed up funk tracks for emcees to rap to. Hip Hop music represented the gangstas, pushas, and hustlers. Known for "Shit talking", competition, and battle-style rhymes. The music represented a street lifestyle, fast money, cars, high fashion, jewelry, sex, and drugs. Regardless of your sentiments about the genre and its promotion. Let’s get this shit clear once and for all Hip Hop/ Rap is unapologetically Black American. Being a contributor is not the same as being the creator. While they are similar they are not synonymous. You were offered an invite and now you think you're the host. Please back that ass up!!! The disrespect is so Juvenile. The very culture Black Americans are gaslighted for not having is present throughout our musical imprints on the world. Y’all fail to realize that our music reflects the culture y’all claim doesn’t exist.
1983-Techno, Originating out of Detroit pioneer Derrick May, initially a Belleville native created techno with the first techno group The Belleville 3.
In observance of Black Music Month, the importance of accurately documenting the inventions, creations, and innovations of Black Americans is worth noting. The 2023 BET awards sparked the continued debate on who in fact are the true creators of Hip Hop music. I attempted to outline a chronological timeline that reveals a pattern in the way we (BAs) have used music to express our unique experiences in this country. The ways we have alchemized our stories into art; the patterns that display how each piece is connected. In every era a story is told, about what the people are thinking, feeling, and doing.
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