Africa is often referred to as the “Motherland” of humanity, and that spirit of originality and creativity lingers in African American culture. Most major music genres, including white-dominated ones like rock and country, were pioneered by African Americans. Those that did not originate from this culture were heavily influenced by it, particularly by Black gospel and blues. In short, the music we know and love today would not exist without the rich musical heritage brought to the U.S. by those enslaved during the Transatlantic slave trade. These genres include, but are not limited to:
1. Blues
Blues, a genre that emerged from the African American experience in the deep south, served as a blueprint for Rock, Jazz, and R&B. It acted as an emotional expression of heartache and resilience, which helped drive the advancement of the industry. Iconic artists who paved the way for this genre’s impact include Muddy Waters, B.B king, and Robert Johnson. Without the blues, the soundscape of contemporary music would be unrecognizable.
2. Jazz
Born in 20th century New Orleans, Jazz revolutionized music as we know it with improvisation and complex melodies. It served as the blueprint for genres such as Rock, Hip-Hop, and Bossa Nova. Jazz Artists like Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker, and Duke Ellington serve as inspiration for many modern-day artists such as Bruno Miles and Kendrick Lamar.
3. Gospel
Gospel music, created as a form of religious and cultural expression, is rooted in the spirituals sung by enslaved Africans. Gospel is credited for greatly influencing soul and R&B with artists like Mahalia Jackson and Sam Cooke serving as pivotal figures to the genre.
4. Funk
Funk emerged with African Americans at the forefront. Musicians like the “godfather of soul” James brown revolutionized music with this genre. It introduced the usage of emphasizing rhythm and syncopation in music, something now seen in contemporary pop and electronic music.
5. EDM/house music
EDM, a white-dominated genre, originated from the development of house music in Chicago in the 1980s. Its creation can be credited to Frankie Knuckles who brought elements of disco, gospel, and soul music to shape the foundation of modern EDM. The genre is historically rooted in and associated with the black LGBTQ+ community.
6. Rock
Although white artists are often the face of rock, African American musicians played a significant role in its formation. Rock and Roll was born out of a fusion of blues, rhythm and blues (R&B), and gospel. Without Black pioneers shaping its sound, rock as we know it would not exist. Chuck Berry is considered one of rock’s pioneers in addition to Jimi Hendrix. These two musicians introduced a new level of artistry to Rock with innovative playing and songwriting. .
