All throughout June, Black Music Month is being recognized nationally.
In honor of the month, here are five Black musicians who are considered pioneers of their genres.
- Robert Johnson: Considered the “King of the Delta Blues,” Robert Johnson is considered one of the originators of the genre that went on to serve as the basis for country, rock, pop and more. Known posthumously as one of the greatest blues performers of all time, Johnson’s recordings such as “Sweet Home Chicago,” “Love in Vain” and “I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom” have been covered by musicians such as Elmore James, The Rolling Stones, Muddy Waters and more.
Although Johnson’s recordings are limited to just 29 songs taped from 1936 to 1937, his staple guitar sound combining lower rhythmic elements and higher melodic licks alongside slide guitar helped pioneer the Delta blues sound.
- Juan Atkins: As a part of the “Belleville Three,” Atkins is recognized for his role in developing Detroit techno. Known for helping coin the term “techno” as a way to describe his music, Atkins first formed Cybotron alongside Richard “3070” Davis in 1980.
Influenced by Afrofuturism-inspired funk, German synthesizer musicians such as Kraftwerk and Italian disco, Cybotron’s sound combining synth and a drum machine with beats similar to the New York sound helped provide the foundation for Detroit techno. Also inspired by the Chicago house scene, Atkins has had a career spanning over 40 years as part of groups such as Model 500.
- Sister Rosetta Tharpe: As the “Godmother of Rock’N’Roll,” Sister Rosetta Tharpe pioneered the genre and helped influence musicians such as Little Richard, Odetta, Mavis Staples, Tina Turner and Bob Dylan, amongst others.
In her teens, Tharpe had already played with legendary musicians such as Duke Ellington in New York City before touring with gospel legends the Dixie Hummingbirds. Also known as the first gospel singer known nationally and the first gospel artist to record with a company, Tharpe pioneered rock’n’roll as well with the help of her Les Paul Custom. With her electric guitar, she helped create its custom sound through techniques such as her hammer-clawed guitar plucking and fast-paced playing, helping bring the swing sound and traditional melodic elements to rock’n’roll.
- DJ Kool Herc: As the “Father of Hip Hop,” DJ Kool Herc’s 1973 block party is known as the place of the birth of hip cop culture. With his innovative“Merry-Go-Round” technique using two turntables and a mixer to create breakbeats, Herc laid the foundation for what would develop as the hip-hop genre. The musician also helped bring the toasting technique, which originated from Jamaica, to his sound, debuting his use of the technique at the famed 1973 party. From toasting, eventually, emceeing and rap would develop.
- Sam Cooke: As a soul icon, Sam Cooke’s contributions to the genre influenced a variety of artists such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and more. Considered the “father” of the genre and the “King of Soul,” Cooke’s career began with his work as part of the Soul Stirrers. With the group, Cooke, as lead singer, helped bring gospel music to the younger crowds. Eventually, Cooke shifted to the pop music sphere and, from 1957 to 1964, had 30 top 40 hits on the Billboard charts, including “You Send Me” and “Cupid.” Cooke also took part in the civil rights movement, recording “A Change is Gonna Come” as the anthem of the movement. The song was preserved by the Library of Congress in 2007 for its impact.
