Hey, Cougars! Did you know many genres of music stemmed from jazz & blues, which African Americans began recording in the early 1920s? Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Jelly Roll Morton are the 3 biggest founders of jazz music. Inspired by the founders, more than 100 years later, jazz music plays a significant role in African American music. Here are 5 Black musicians that carry the jazz torch today!
Rihanna
With a discography of eight studio albums, Rihanna quickly became one of the world’s top musicians. She released her first single, Pon De Replay, in May of 2005 at just 17 years old. Her debut album, “Music of The Sun,” is certified platinum and has sold over 623,000 copies. Rihanna is still in the spotlight, taking a break from music, making fundamental business moves with her makeup and lingerie line. As of 2022, she is now worth over 1.7 billion dollars.
Janet Jackson
There is a reason Janet Jackson is the “Queen of Pop.” Born into the famous Jackson Five family, Janet was no stranger to musical talent. She began acting in multiple television shows such as Good Times, Diff’rent Strokes, and Fame. Jackson signed her first record contract with A&M Records in 1982 at 17 years old. Over the years, she gained global fame with her second and third studio albums, “Control” (1986) and “Rhythm Nation” (1989). Janet is still one of the most beloved musical artists that helped shape African American music.
Michael Jackson
What is the “Queen of Pop ” without the “King”, Michael Jackson? He became a musical sensation at just 13, singing with his four older brothers, who gained global fame as the Jackson 5. Michael then started his solo career years later with his debut album titled “Off the Wall,” with international pop hits such as, Beat It, Thriller, and Billie Jean. “Thriller” was also the name of his 1982 best selling album, with 70 million copies sold worldwide. Michael Jackson is one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century.
Jay Z
There is a list of hip-hop moguls, and Jay-Z is at the top. In the late 1980s, Jay-Z began his music career, and he took it to the next level when he became the co-founder of the record label Roc-A-Fella Records in 1995. He released his highly anticipated debut album called “Reasonable Doubt” in 1996. The album resulted in Jay-Z solidifying his place in the hip-hop industry. Over the years, he released 12 more studio albums, gained a total of 23 Grammy awards, and is currently the first and only rapper to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Nicki Minaj
“The Queen of Hip-Hop,” Nicki Minaj has managed to revive female rap and holds the crown to this day! She caught the attention of hip-hop mogul Lil Wayne after releasing three mixtapes from 2007 to 2009. She gained worldwide fame when she released her debut album, “Pink Friday.” The album topped the Billboard 200 chart and is certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. Super Bass, the fifth single, peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the highest-charting solo song by a female rapper since 2002. It was also the First diamond-certified female rap solo song by a Black woman. Ten years later, Minaj is still topping the charts and is the most awarded female rapper of all time.
Cougars, it is time to celebrate Black History Month and enjoy the rhythm of jazz-inspired music from Black icons!
About Post Author
