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  3. Black History Month: The Most Influential Black Music Artists

Black History Month: The Most Influential Black Music Artists

Anna Valenzuela Rosas / February 18, 2025 - 11:00 pm

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Pinterest How Smokey Robinson Got His Cool Nickname story real name William Jr. singer The Miracles music songs 2021 today age 81 now
(© Getty Images)

Smokey Robinson

One of the great talents to come out of Motown, Smokey Robinson, was a founding member of The Miracles. Their beautiful melodies are still played to this day on songs such as "You've Really Got a Hold On Me," and "Tracks of My Tears."

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Pinterest Ray Charles in LA 1965
(© Getty Images)

Ray Charles

Pioneer soul musician Ray Charles overcame so many obstacles to triumph and earned mainstream radio play during a time of great racial unrest. He even recorded a successful country music album! 

His legacy lives on and his song are endlessly sampled by major hip-hop artists today.

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In Memoriam: Billie Holiday's Biggest Career Highlights
(© Getty Images)

Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday's vocals were second to none. Her ability to improvise and produce incredible melodies along while slipping powerful songs about injustice into the mainstream radio waves put Billie in permanent music history.

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Pinterest Louis Armstrong performing in 1965
(© imago images / United Archives International)

Louis Armstrong

The unique and one-of-a-kind Louis Armstrong is easily one of the most influential artists in music history. His pioneering sound modernized jazz and broke into the mainstream industry. His charisma and heart-stopping technical skill made his melodies some of the most well-known all over the world. 

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James Brown performs during the half-time show for Super Bowl XXXI between the New England Patriots and the Green Bay Packers in New Orleans, Louisiana.
(© Getty Images)

James Brown

James Brown's wildly energetic funk beats are still played all over the world. His exciting beats brought an entirely new fun spin to music and his tunes are sampled for hip hop songs every day. 

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Pinterest Aretha Franklin, whom many called the "Queen of Soul", performing on stage
(© Getty Images)

Aretha Franklin

Franklin had been performing since she was a little girl and was an outspoken activist for civil rights and women's rights. The "Queen of Soul's" booming and energetic voice broke barriers and inspired countless artists to follow in her footsteps.

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Pinterest B.B. King in July 1988
(© Getty Images)

B.B. King

Riley B. King was the incredible guitarist and singer-songwriter who rightfully became the "King of Blues." He was so heavily revered by all genres of music and even collaborated with rock legend Eric Clapton for a highly successful album. 

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Pinterest Jimi Hendrix back in 1970
(© Imago / ZUMA Press)

Jimi Hendrix

Arguably one of the greatest guitarists of all time, Jimi Hendrix dominated the airwaves and lead the youth during the '70s psychedelic wave. Jimi's true talent on the electric guitar was groundbreaking and can still be heard with new artists today.

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Nina Simone
(© Getty Images)

Nina Simone

Nina Simone's iconic fingerprint can be seen in almost every major genre alive today. Her unique voice and powerful conviction were felt in every beat she produced. Nina was also a major leader in the civil rights movement so her fingerprint is not only left on music but also on the fight for equality.

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Stevie Wonder in 1970
(© Getty Images)

Stevie Wonder

Steve Wonder created his chart-topping hit after hit that surpassed anyone else and came to be loved by people everywhere. 

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For Black History Month we wanted to honor the incredible talents that shaped not only shaped the music industry but also paved the way for racial equality and has inspired millions to continue to fight and produce unbelievable music. 

Most Influential Black Music Artists

So we have put together a list of some of the most influential black artists who have helped change the course of history and whose music and messages will continue to be played forever. 

From Motown and Jazz to Hip-Hop and Pop, these artists have left an incredible impression on the music industry.

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