June is BLACK MUSIC MONTH! For those of you that are not familiar with what that means, allow THIS to be your education. So what does it mean to listen to “Black Music?” Contrary to popular opinion, it is not only R&B and Hip-Hop. Black music goes much further than Rihanna and Nicki Minaj….Nooooo. We’re talking about going to a place much deeper than that. It goes back to the old Negro Spirituals sung on the plantations in order to lift the spirits of the slaves; to the syncopated complexity of Ragtime; to the slick coolness of Jazz and Bebop; to the heart and soul of both Blues and R&B; and finally, the street grittiness of Hip-Hop. No matter the time period, Black Music has always played a significant role in shaping the cultural trends of the day. So the next time you listen to your favorite Top 40 single, know that they are more than likely sampling pioneers like James Brown or Marvin Gaye; know that without the influences of Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, we would have no Chrisette Michelle or Jennifer Hudson; and know that there would be no such thing as Rock N Roll, if it weren’t for the contributions of Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, or Little Richard. Below are some examples of what I’m talking about. Black Music comes from a place that is deep rooted in spirituality and truth. This truth may be drawn from the pain of a past experience, from the joys and hassles of everyday life, or even from our culture and surroundings, but it is no doubt real in its meaning, and continues to shape trends and resonate with other cultures around the world.
Imitation of Life
Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong - Summertime.
KNOW Your History.........
Until Next Time........
