The library offers this guide to resources as a way to support student understanding and awareness of history, culture, and contributions of African Americans
In honor of the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian Folkways records curated a playlist of some favorite and influential African American musicians.
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Black Music
"They hear it come out, but they don't know how it got there. They don't understand that's life's way of talking.
You don't sing to feel better. You sing 'cause that's a way of understanding life." ~ Ma Rainey (1882 or 1886–1939)
It is impossible to tell the story of American popular music without recognizing the extent to which, as Bruno Mars said in 2018, that "American music IS black music."
At the AAAMC, you will find materials covering a range of African American musical idioms and cultural expressions primarily from the post-World War II era. Collections highlight popular, religious, and classical music, with genres ranging from blues and gospel to R&B and contemporary hip hop. The AAAMC also houses extensive materials related to the documentation of black radio.
In this episode of Cory Booker's podcast "Lift Every Voice", DJ Questlove and U.S. Senator Cory Booker sit down to talk about the history of black music, some of their favorite songs growing up, and the music that inspires them today. .
The only museum entirely dedicated to preserving and documenting the many musical genres created, influenced, and inspired by African Americans, NMAAM opened in June 2021.
Explore a selection of the Smithsonian's wide range of collections preserving the material history of African American musical history from it's roots through the modern era.
This program from Tony Brown's Journal looks at a vocal extravaganza by historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) that creates a unique music history lesson on stage in Las Vegas. Choirs, groups, and soloists from the nation’s black colleges showcase their talents in riveting stage performances.
A musical journey through the origins of American music presented by Morgan Freeman. The six videos in this series mix documentary and performance whilst retracing the roots of American music and features performances at Montreux from such legendary artists as Muddy Waters, Ray Charles, Miles Davis, Al Green, Carlos Santana and Eric Clapton.
The story of the Funk Brothers, the group of musicians that played on every single hit Motown record from the label's beginnings to 1972. Inspired by the book "Standing in the shadows of Motown" by Allan "Dr. Licks" Slutsky.
Deeply rooted in African rhythms, the first gospel music, as sung on Southern plantations, expressed the collective sorrow of American slaves, and the history of their diaspora. Using narration and thrilling performance footage, this program traces the 200-year history of gospel music from black churches, to the civil rights movement, to its influence on modern jazz, blues, and rock ’n’ roll. Its revolutionary sounds and joyful vocal styles are featured in several live performances by noted singers. Interviews with key figures provide insights into the cultural and artistic importance of this uniquely American art form. (159 minutes)
