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African American Influence On Black Music

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African American Influence On Black Music
The older versions of black music is better than the modern day black music. The first Africans transported to this country came from a variety of ethnic groups with a long history of distinct and cultivated musical traditions. African Americans used homemade drums and banjos to communicate among themselves. In fact, back the 1700s, drums had been banned on many slave plantations. Slaves on southern plantations had their own musical styles, which later evolved into gospel, blues, and what is now known as bluegrass, or country music. Slave fiddlers often provided dance music for the southern white gentry. However, most slaves were not allowed to own instruments or could afford to purchase them. Using makeshift instruments and their own bodies, …show more content…
There are some honorable mentions of black musicians who helped develop American music. These musicians include Billie Holiday, Tina Turner, Puff Daddy, and James Brown. Billie Holiday was considered one of the best jazz vocalists of all time. She had a thriving career for many years until she lost her battle with substance abuse. Some of Billie’s most famous songs were “Gloomy Sunday”, “God Bless the Child”, and “Fine and Mellow”. Tina Turner rose to fame in the ‘60s by performing with her husband Ike Turner. After her husband’s death, Tina had an international solo career with hits like “What’s Love Got to Do With It”, “Better Be Good to Me”, “Private Dancer”, and “Typical Male”. Puffy Daddy, or Sean Combs, is an entrepreneur and has produced big name artists like Mariah Carey. Sean has also created the Sean John clothing line, and he has recorded his own platinum albums. Some of Puff Daddy’s most famous hits are “Bad Boy For Life”, “Been Around The World”, “Come to Me”, and “Coming Home”. James Brown was nicknamed the “Godfather of Soul”. James was one of the most iconic figures in funk and soul music from 1956-2006. Some of Brown’s most famous songs include “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World”, “Say It Loud- I’m Black and I’m Proud”, “I Got the Feelin’”, and “Night Train”. The artists named are only a few black musicians who have left their mark in musical history. Black musicians have impacted every type of music and without their styles of music we wouldn’t be where we are today. Modern day music has grown and improved thanks to black music and musicians, and this is why the older versions and styles of black music is better than the modern day black

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