February, we celebrate Black History Month. Remember, embracing, and recognizing the amazingly creative and entrepreneurial excellence African-Americans have made in the United States. In this article, I will be discussing genres of music that derived their roots and influence from African-American Roots.
Gospel Music
Mahalia_Jackson
Gospel Music or Sacred Music was the earliest form of black musical expression in the United States. Gospel music was based on Christain psalm and hymns merging from African music styles and seculars. Gospel music originated in Black churches and has become a genre recognized globally.
Did You Know? Gospel Music is based on classical music theory. To learn how both genres relate check out: Learn Gospel Music Theory
The Blues
Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Blues is a music genre and musical form which was originated in the Deep South of the United States around the 1860s by African-Americans from roots in African musical traditions, African-American work songs, and spirituals. and characterized by “bent” or “blue” notes, not on the standard scale. The songs expressed a longing, loss, or desire which is why it was also called the “Blues”. Regional origins include the Mississippi Delta, Memphis, Chicago, and Southern Texas.
Beginner Guitarist? Learn Blues Guitar theory here.
Did You Know? The harmonic structure to a Blues Progression is using the I-IV-V chords of the blues scale. The Blue Scale Formula: Major: 1-2-♭3-3-5-6 Minor- 1-♭3-4-♭5-5-♭7
Jazz
Buddy Bolden, the Man Who ‘Invented Jazz’
Jazz evolved from ragtime, an American style of syncopated instrumental music. Jazz first materialized in New Orleans and is often distinguished by African American musical innovation. Multiple forms of the genre exist today, from the dance-oriented music of the 1920s big-band era to the experimental flair of modern avant-garde jazz
Did You Know? There are over 10 kinds of music jazz scales. Learn your jazz scales here.
Rhythm and Blues
Tina Turner & Ike
R&B is a diverse genre with roots in jazz, the blues, and gospel music. R&B helped spread African American culture and popularized racial integration on the airwaves and in white society during the 1960s. The term was originally used by record companies to describe recordings marketed predominantly to urban African AmericansToday’s iteration of the genre has assimilated soul and funk characteristics.
Rock and Roll
Sister Rosetta Tharpe, The Godmother Of Rock ‘N’ Roll
Rocks’ first guitar heroine was none other than Sister Rosetta Tharpe, her single “Rock Me” in 1938 took storm. Sister Rosetta’s influence extended far beyond her own career. Johnny Cash called her his favorite singer, covering several songs on his 1979 gospel album A Believer Sings the Truth. Elvis Presley performed her version of “Up Above My Head” at his 1968 comeback special. The Staple Singers. Nina Simone. Paul Butterfield. Van Morrison. Led Zeppelin. The Grateful Dead, these are a handful of artists who’ve covered Tharpe’s classic blues song “Nobody’s Fault But Mine.
Country Music
DeFord Bailey was the first Black performer to be introduced on the Grand Ole Opry,
African American Influence on Country Music Can’t Be Understated. Country music has roots in African American jazz and blues of the south. The blues emerged from African American folk musical forms, which arose in the southern United States and became internationally popular in the 20th century. Blues styles have been used and adapted extensively throughout country music’s recorded history. Jimmie Rodgers, sometimes called the father of country music, was known for combining the blues, gospel, jazz, cowboy, and folk styles in his songs.
Rewriting Country Music’s Racist History Artists like Yola and Rhiannon Giddens are blowing up what Giddens calls a “manufactured image of country music being white and being poor”
Hip-Hop and Rap
In 1980, “Rapper’s Delight” by Sugarhill Gang was the first Hip-Hop recorded released and charted #1 on Billboards the same year. Hip-Hop and Rap music are embedded with Jazz, Gospel, and Rock roots, becoming a global phenomenon and the development of mass media and pop culture attention.
To Learn More Visit A timeline of history-making Black music