Why Music Would Be Nothing Without Black People
Black people have contributed to many music genres beyond Hip hop, R&B, Reggae, and Afro-pop. Below are some of the other genres black people contributed to overtime.
Jazz
Originating in New Orleans in the late 19th century, Jazz started from many black musicians who couldn’t read music. This led to them playing improvised upbeat blues melodies. Langston Hughes was known for his poetry, who typically read them with jazz playing in the background.
Even though the first Jazz recording by the Original Dixieland Jass Band, African-Americans have influenced Jazz music long before this record.
Rock N Roll
Rock n Roll evolved from rhythm and blues music in the 1940s. Sister Rosetta Tharpe, aka the godmother of rock n roll, transformed the genre with her guitar sound influenced by gospel music. Later famous artists such as Little Richard and Chuck Berry added their flair to the performance style of the genre.
Elvis Presley is recognized as the King of Rock n Roll, but African Americans’ contributions started the spice.
Techno
Originating in the Detroit black community, techno music was used as a form of wordless protest. Detroit DJ Robert Hood created Techno by fusing disco, gospel, and funk music in the 80s.
DJ Hood explained that Techno “is the struggle of black artists that came from nothing.” He also stated how he was blessed to be able to share it with the world.
House
The LGBTQ+ African-American and Latino communities created House music in Chicago’s underground clubs. DJ Frankie Knuckles, a part of the LGBTQ community, aka The Godfather of House, created House music by remixing disco music in the 70s.
Anytime you hear house music, remember how the south side was initially made for all LGBTQ members to dance on the south side of Chicago.
(Source: Pinterest)
Country
The African influence on country music begins with the banjo. The banjo is a stringed instrument with a long neck and circular body. This instrument was bought to America in slavery from West Africa and was used as the main instrument for field songs and slave spirituals.
Even though black artists are not associated with country music today, the beginning is an integral part of African American history.
There are many more inventions, contributions, and musical genres black people have given to America. Healthy Roots Dolls believes representation matters for all people and how important it is for storybooks and toys to celebrate the beauty of our diversity. We celebrate the contributions and how music has helped us all.
Sign up for our newsletter below for Healthy Roots Dolls updates and initiatives on celebrating black culture worldwide.