Music is the interstitial fluid that fills the gaps between our day. The music we love now in America would not exist without the influence and guiding hand of black artists and the influences garnered from African traditions. They have single-handedly created and continue to influence jazz, blues, hip-hop, funk, soul, rock, and so many more genres beyond the ones listed. This is a list of 10 black artists I love and some songs to start with if you haven’t listened to them before.
1. Ella Fitzgerald owns my heart. The soft, light texture of her voice effortlessly glides over the notes, never strained. I get amazed every time I hear her sing. I especially like the contrast between her smooth tone and the raspy gruffness of her long-time collaborator, Louis Armstrong. The songs from her that I recommend are “Misty” and “Cheek to Cheek.”
2. There is something about Muddy Waters and the Chicago Blues that makes me want to listen to him on repeat. I love the sound of the harmonica and the electric guitar wailing, backing the forlorn verses. Muddy Waters inspired rock artists like The Rolling Stones who named their band after a song of his. “Hoochie Coochie Man” and “Mannish Boy” are the songs you should start with.
3. Celia Cruz is the undisputed queen of salsa. Her catchphrase “¡Azucar!” is the easiest way to identify her music along with her strong alto voice. “La Negra Tiene Tumbao” and “Quimbara” are the songs to check out.
4. Chloe x Halle is the sister duo of dreams. I love how their distinct tones mix to make the most heavenly harmonies. They are multi-talented and produce much of their own music. The songs I recommend are “Cool People” and “Baby Girl.”
5. I can’t remember how I found Lous and the Yakuza, but I’m glad I did. Her music is a genre blend of hip-hop, R&B, and trap and is sung in French. The songs I like best are “Amigo” and “Dans la hess.”
6. Labrinth’s colorful electronic fever dream is one you do not want to miss. His music is consistently beautiful, so much so that he has composed for HBO’s series Euphoria and the Netflix movie Malcolm and Marie. “Miracle” and “Imagination” are two of my favorites.
7. If you have not listened to Frank Ocean before, then now is the time to start. His songs are simple in form yet beautiful in lyrics. His wide range and longing tone will enchant you, masking you want more and more. His songs “Cayendo” and “Godspeed” are sheer perfection.
8. Earth, Wind, & Fire may be known for “September,” but this funk band has so much more to offer. Their falsetto layered backing vocals are so tight and make up one of the best bands I’ve listened to. “Boogie Wonderland” and “That’s the Way of the World” make me want to sing and dance every single time.
9. The New Respects is an up-and-coming pop-rock band based in Nashville that gives the feeling of sitting in a pool chair in the middle of summer. I’m a fan of bands with female fronts and they do not disappoint. “Trouble” and “Something to Believe In” are the songs to listen to.
10. FKA twig’s ethereal soprano voice captivates me every time I return to her music, which can be just as dreamy. Her genre-bending work is a treasure trove of enticing songs. The songs I listen to the most are “cellophane” and “mary magdalene.”
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.