American music would not be the same without the influence black artists have brought to the game for decades. Over the years, in many interviews, music experts have expressed how all American music is black music. Bruno Mars spoke about this in a 2017 interview with Complex, “When you say ‘black music,’ understand that you are talking about rock, jazz, R&B, reggae, funk, doo-wop, hip-hop and Motown, ” Mars said. “Even salsa music stems back to the Motherland.” Black music, he said, is “what gives America its swag.”
Black music influences all music.@KELLYROWLAND, @TheMorrisDay and other celebs explain black music’s impact on the world. pic.twitter.com/k04ArxLC3H
— The Root (@TheRoot) July 1, 2017
Many musicians and have tried (and epicly failed) to mimic the vibe that you can only find in music made by Black artists. It’s about understanding the soul behind the music, because that’s what Black music is– pure soul. Although not many have been able to recreate it, many have been inspired by it.
For example British rock bands across the 60’s and 70’s attribute key components in some of their biggest hit songs to be influenced by black musicians.
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Chuck Berry heavily influenced The Beatles. Rosetta Tharpe with her mighty guitar was named the “Godmother of Rock ’n’ Roll” and went on to inspire Elvis Presley, Little Richard and many more of music’s greatest. Jimmy Hednrix, was a boundary pusher. His passion for trying out new sounds and experimenting with forms of playing on stage have gone on to inspire anyone from rock ‘n’ roll to rap and hip-hop.
rock and metal would be NOTHING without black musicians. rock and metal would be NOTHING without black musicians. rock and metal would be NOTHING without black musicians. rock and metal would be NOTHING without black musicians. rock and metal would be NOTHING without black musici
— eli (@eliroblse) June 8, 2020
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The music made by black artists has impacted musicians through many of the early decades in developing genres, it changed with the times and continues to inspire the songs that shape our culture. Iconic music symbols like Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Beyonce and Kendrick Lamar (just to name a few) continue to pave the way for artists all over the world.
Michael Jackson, crowned the king of pop started out in Motown and evolved to be one of the most influential artists in pop culture. His legacy continues to shine on in the songs topping the music charts of today. If you want to be a Motown Record Producer, you might want to listen to the king of pop’s early music (The Jackson 5) for inspiration.
BTS used MLK’s inspirational words in the lyrics to Not Today and then they appeared in his video tribute.
Then they did a unit dance to Black or White and now they’re appearing in a tribute song for Michael Jackson.
I’m very proud
— kris ☆ (@dolIszZz) July 18, 2018
Whitney Houston version of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” stayed at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for a then-record 14 weeks, and the album went on to sell more than 40 million copies worldwide, making it one of the top five best-selling albums of all time.
In an article published by Pitchfork, they named Beyonce’s self-titled album, one of the most revolutionary pieces of contemporary art and declared it to be among the top 15 greatest albums of that decade.
Kendrick Lamar won the Pulitzer Prize for Music with his fourth studio album, DAMN. Making him the first pop artist to win that award.
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It’s been cool to see super famous white rap/hip hop/r&b musicians admit that they owe their whole careers to black culture. Like yes. Pay respects!!!! Proud!! and they’re donating too!! glad they’re not staying silent like others
— brittany (@brittany_broski) June 10, 2020
Throughout many decades, black artists have continuously proven how important their contributions are to many cultures and the ever changing musical landscape.
