Page 24 - issue-25 - en

ELITE Vol.1 No.25, Nov. 2020

“A Lyrical Minority"
Zeina Marei
The Story Behind Black Music

Jazz music on the other hand was born in a state wh ere
Modern pop stars of all races would not exist in th eir
Africans, white Europeans and French-speaking Creol es
current forms without black music. In almost every genre
coexisted; the city of New Orleans. But in 1894
of popular music, black musicians have had a signif icant
segregation laws were passed, separating the dark-
impact. Icons like Michael Jackson, Prince, Mariah Carey
skinned Creoles from the lighter-skinned, which in turn
and Whitney Houston all represent the most recent
gave black Creole musicians more incentive to assoc iate
infusion of black music into the industry. This wid espread
themselves with English-speaking blacks, resulting in a
appeal represented the changing views of Americans in
mixing of both musical traditions. Jazz ’s popularity then
regards to race, and hip-hop and rap grew into bein g
rose through riverboat trips (mainly operated by da rk-
fundamental parts of the American pop identity in t he
skinned workers), reaching places like Missouri, Ka nsas,
21st century. The African roots ’ effect did not just end in
and southern Chicago.
America, but has reached a vast audience around the
Although many would perceive rock music as a white
globe with rap and hip-hop scenes developing all ar ound
genre, many of its origins lie in the black communi ty.
the world. Although black Americans today still fac e
Rock ‘n’ roll was mainly influenced by the rhythm and
racial inequalities and prejudice in their lives, t here
blues of the 1940s and ’50s, both of which the industry
remains a connecting chord that can be felt in aspe cts of
categorized as “race music ” at the time. Rock music was
music and culture.
primarily created with a black audience in mind, ye t white
teenagers soon caught up to the trend through radio
“You cannot imagine American music without its Afric an
broadcasts and were drawn to its rougher sound and
influences. It just doesn ’t exist, ” said Benjamin Harbert,
edgier themes. Rock ‘n’ roll soon became a mainstream
an assistant professor of music in the Department o f
cultural phenomenon, with artists like Little Richa rd, Fats
Performing Arts.
Domino and Chuck Berry gaining widespread play and
attention at the time.The late Chuck Berry reflecte d the
complicated racial situation of America through his
music.

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