Black Music Month is a time to celebrate the immense contributions of Black artists and the diverse genres that have shaped American music.
Also known as African American Music Appreciation month, the roots of Black Music Month can be traced back to 1979 when President Jimmy Carter proclaimed June as the month to honor the accomplishments and influence of Black musicians.
We Chicagoans have a lot to celebrate and be proud of during this month-long celebration since our city has a rich history deeply intertwined with the evolution of African American music and is often referred to as the birthplace of blues, gospel, and jazz. Throughout the years, Chicago has been blessed with a multitude of legendary Black gospel, jazz, and blues artists who have not only shaped the local music scene but also left an indelible mark on the world. Their contributions have not only inspired generations of musicians but have also helped define the very soul of Chicago.
First, there is Gospel Music. Chicago is known and recognized throughout the world as The Home of Gospel Music and home to the founding Father of Gospel music, Professor Thomas A. Dorsey, and the home of the woman known as the Mother of Gospel Music, Sallie Martin.
This city by the lake is home to some other legendary world-renowned artists like; Mahalia Jackson, Rev. James Cleveland, The Queen of Gospel Music, Albertina Walker, The Barrett Sisters, and The Staple Singers just to name a few. It is also home to legendary ministers who are singers – aka “singing preachers” – such as, Reverend Clay Evans, pastor Willie James Campbell as well as contemporary “singing preachers” like Rev. Darius Brooks.
Then there is Blues Music and the name, Muddy Waters, always pops up first. Considered the father of modern Chicago blues. Muddy Waters played a pivotal role in bringing the raw, electrified sound of the Delta blues to the city. With his distinctive voice and powerful guitar playing, Waters crafted a style that defined the Chicago blues sound. Songs like “Hoochie Coochie Man” and “Mannish Boy” are timeless classics that have inspired generations of blues musicians and bought the genre to a wider audience.
Another great Blues artist was the late Joe Williams whose rendition of “Goin to Chicago” was requested at every appearance throughout the world.
In the category of Jazz, Louis Armstrong, a jazz pioneer, and one of the most influential musicians in history, called Chicago his second home. Known for his dazzling trumpet skills and unique improvisational style, Armstrong revolutionized jazz and introduced the world to the wonders of scat singing.
His collaborations with Chicago-based musicians and his iconic recordings, such as, “West End Blues,” continue to captivate audiences with their sheer brilliance.
Chicago also gave us great jazz musicians like the legendary Lionel Hampton. pianist Ramsey Lewis, the great Quincy Jones, the one and only Nat King Cole, the world’s greatest balladeer, Johnny Hartman , the late Von Freeman and multiple others
When we talk about celebrating great Black music, we cannot leave out R&B. The late Richard Pegue, a well-known and beloved radio deejay called the R&B music of the 50’s and 60’s (aka Dusty Music) “the best music of your life.” Many Chicagoans would agree, especially those who proudly boast of being a part of the Baby Boomer generation. Although some people credit Detroit’s Motown with the sounds of those times, Chicagoans were center stage. There was Minnie Ripperton, a native of the Woodlawn community and graduate of Hyde Park High School. Around the same time that Minnie Ripperton was making her mark, a group of young men, also from Hyde Park High School, were forming a group called the Chi Lites, which was later known as Marshall and the Chi Lites, as Marshall Thompson became renowned as the lead singer. Other groups and vocalists that hailed from Chicago include the Impressions, the Five Stair Steps, Earth, Wind and Fire, Rufus and Chaka Khan, the Emotions, R. Kelley, Jennifer Hudson, Sam Cooke , Lou Rawls, and Curtis Mayfield.
House Music came to Chicago in the 1980’s, and it has remained as one of the most beloved genres of music among the Generation X’ers. Chip E, Farley Jackmaster Funk, and Jesse Saunders are known as the original House Music pioneers.
Rap, the music derived from the Hip Hop genre, is the most popular music today among teens and young adults. Many popular rappers hail from Chicago including Kanye West (Ye), Lupe Fiasco, Chance the Rapper, Da Brat, Lil’ Durk, Common, Twista, Queen Key, Chief Keef, MC Lyte and Rhymefest, among others.
As we celebrate Black Music Month, let us also celebrate those young artists who continue to make Chicago the place to be to celebrate not only jazz, blues, and gospel, but great music performed by African Americans that cross multiple genres performed and written by Chicagoans, such as, Theresa Griffin, young vibes player Thaddeus Tukes, Jazz musician and arranger, Orbert Davis, and many, many others.
We do not just celebrate Black Music in June; we celebrate it 365 days a year because we are Chicago Southsiders, and that is what we do!
