African-American Music Appreciation Month

To commemorate African-American Music Appreciation Month this June, California Senator Kamala Harris released a Spotify playlist with songs spanning genres and generations, from TLC’s “Waterfalls” to Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On.”
                                                 

In a nod to the integral role African-American musicians play in the country’s rich musical legacy, we’ve decided to highlight our own “playlist” of articles, pieces that feature icons like Michael Jackson and Tupac Shakur, along with forgotten – but no less important – voices, from Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield to the Rev. T.T. Rose.

Segregating sound

By the early 20th century, Americans were clamoring for the albums of black artists. The music industry was eager to oblige, but cordoned them off into a distinct genre: “race music.”

The first black pop star is born

Before Aretha Franklin, before Ella Fitzgerald, there was Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield. A self-taught opera singer born in 1820, Greenfield had to overcome the belief that blacks couldn’t actually sing.

Michael Jackson breaks the mold

Only later would black artists be able to move freely across musical genres. Perhaps no artist stitched together a more diverse range of styles and influences than Michael Jackson, the King of Pop.

The triumph and tragedy of Tupac

In the 1980s, hip-hop – then a budding musical genre – found itself gravitating toward black nationalist messages. It was during this time that Tupac Shakur, the son of a Black Panther, came of age.

Why Ariana Grande's music is so important

On Monday night, Ariana Grande fans — AKA "Arianators" — excitedly gathered for a shared purpose; to watch her perform the songs they love. But, the awful events which transpired that night meant that some of those fans didn't make it home.
                                   

Grande fans are now mourning the loss to their fanbase; a community whose shared love of her music spans several generations. And, that curious ability to transcend generations stems from her own evolution from an innocent teenage Nickelodeon star to a grown-up pop star who appeals to adults and children alike.

I didn't grow up watching Victorious, but rather grew to love Grande's songs about sex and relationships. Her most recent album Dangerous Woman was my anthem as I sat teary-eyed on the London Underground in the aftermath of a breakup. But, her songs are more than just songs about sex and love. As I strut along to the beat of "Be Alright" and "Everyday", I feel strong and empowered. And, yes, pop songs really do make you feel those things.

Grande's fans are keen for her to not be dismissed as yet another sexy pop star singing about her bedroom antics. 26-year-old super-fan Elisabeth Joffe says that the reason people underestimate Grande is because "people undermine women who look like young girls" and she says people think that Grande "plays up the sexy baby thing". But, though she be little — 5 foot 3 inches, to be precise — she is fiercely inclusive, says Joffe.

For other super-fans, Grande represents strength. "Ariana's music is more than just someone singing over a musical beat. Ariana's music is strength, love, empowerment," says 17-year-old fan Stephanie. "She has songs like "One last time" and "Thinking of you" which now hold such a strong meaning to our fanbase since the Manchester tragedy."