Black History Music Artists

He helped create a form of funk music in the 70s that would influence rappers like Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and Tupac.

He made the number one selling album of all time which sold over 70 million copies worldwide.

Known as the "Father of Chicago Blues”. A singer and guitarist that influenced a generation of rock musicians.

Nicknamed "Bird", he was a fast jazz saxophonist who invented the genre of bebop, along with trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie.

A singer/songwriter, record producer. One of the best selling artists ever. Known for his song and movie "Purple Rain"

He was a famous singer and trumpet player...

Born in 1999, Montero Lamar Hill is a rapper/singer that rose to prominence with his country rap single "Old Town Road".

Her deep earthy voice bridged the gap between the blues and rock and roll.

A trumpeter, composer and one of the biggest figures in 20th century music. He invented three styles of jazz.

Considered by many guitarists to be the GOAT. Sadly, he passed away at age 27, but he popularized the electric guitar.

Often called the “Queen of Jazz,” she was a singer whose rich voice quickly became iconic.

A career that lasted over 50 years. He created over 2000 compositions and is one of the leading figures in jazz.

He was a composer of nearly 200 works, including 5 symphonies, 4 ballets, 9 operas, and over 30 choral works.

He is one of the most significant saxophonists in music history. He was known for his "sheets of sound".

He is one of the world's best-selling music artists, with over 160 million records sold.

Name this song...

She was a singer, songwriter, pianist, and civil rights activist. She played classical, folk, gospel, blues, jazz, R&B.

Abel Tesfaye is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer also known as...

He was the first hip-hop artist to record a double album. In 2017 was first solo rapper inducted into R&R Hall of Fame.

Born Melissa Jefferson, she is a singer/rapper from Detroit. She studied classical music in college and played flute.

He was named the "King of Ragtime". He wrote 40 ragtime pieces, a ballet, and two operas.

He was known as the "Godfather of Soul". Lots of his music was sampled and reused by rap artists.

She was known as "The Queen of Soul"...

Born Christopher George Latore Wallace. He was also known as The Notorius B.I.G.

Hands down he is one of the greatest jazz musicians to have ever lived. He was a pioneer of Bebop jazz.

He pioneered rock and roll music, plain and simple.

He brought authenticity, softness and silkiness to the music of Motown.

He had a short career that lasted only 8 years, but he became known as the "King of Soul".

She is the best-selling artist of the 2000s with 64 gold & platinum certifications for her albums, songs, and videos.

She was also one of the biggest pop stars in the world having sold 170-200 million records sold worldwide in her career.

Born Andre Romelle Young, he was a famous 90's rapper from the West coast...

He was blind just after birth. A child prodigy he signed with Motown Records at age 11. Has sold over 100million records

She began singing in Harlem nightclubs. An amazing unique voice, she became one of the most influential singers in jazz.

Known as “King of the Delta Blues”. A Mississippi-born guitarist and singer who only lived to the age of 27.

He has been regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time.

A rap legend discovered by Dr. Dre. He went on to make a name for himself through music, movies, and endorsement deals.

Known as the “King of the Blues.” He sang and had a style of guitar soloing that focused on vibrato and string bends.

A famous Motown, female-trio led by Diana Ross...

He went blind early in life. An American music legend. He combined gospel, country, and R&B into a genre known as Soul.