Black Music: The Soundtrack of Our Lives
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June is Black Music Month, a time dedicated to recognize and celebrate the rich contributions of Black artists and the Black music industry. As someone who loves music but does not always recognize and celebrate artists, artistry, and the impact of Black music, I feel compelled to explore the evolving landscape of the Black music industry. In this discussion, I will embark on a journey through time, by looking at the music of three distinct generations. First, I will explore the music of the 70s and 80s, I'm going to call this "my mama's music." It was the music that laid the foundation of my musical upbringing. Next, I will delve into the music of the late 80s and 90s, which resonates deeply for me because it holds a significant place in my cultural identity. Lastly, I will explore the music of my son's generation, spanning from the late 90s to the present. I want to briefly explore how music has moved and influenced each generation, we can better appreciate the transformative power and enduring legacy of Black music.
When I was young, I had a real fascination for music because it was always playing in my house. We could tell what kind of mood my mom was in by the music she played, and she had a lot of it. My mom had a friend who was a disc jockey (DJ), and when we received multiple promotional records and albums, he would give my mother the duplicates. So, we always had new music coming into the house. My mom played music constantly, and at times, I would just sit in front of the record player and listen. I would rehearse the lyrics and create dance moves to my favorite songs. The soundtrack of my life in the 70's included my mom's favorite songs. She really loved soulful music like Lenny Williams' "Cause I Love You," Betty Wright's "Tonight Is the Night," The Main Ingredient's "Everybody Plays the Fool," and artists like Teddy Pendergrass and Minnie Riperton. However, I was drawn to up-tempo music. Stevie Wonder's "Master Blaster" was my favorite. One of my favorite bands in the early 80s was Lakeside. Their album covers were amazing, and I would stare at them for hours, reading every word. My mom liked them too, so that was something we had in common.
"When I was in 6th grade, I fell in love with hip hop. My mom's DJ friend, dropped out a stack of albums one day, and in that stack was this bright blue album with the words Sugar Hill on the cover. The very minute I put it on the turntable, I was hooked. The powerful beats, the rhythmic poetry, and the energy of the music captivated me like nothing before. I quickly learned the lyrics Rapper's Delight and would actually rap the song in front of others who at the time did not know how I had learned all the lyrics so quickly. That was a fun time. The soundtrack of my life in the 80s definitely included rap artist like Kurtis Blow… These are the Breaks… Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five … The Message, Doug E. Fresh and many others.
Yet, my musical tastes in the 80s extended beyond the realm of rap. I also enjoyed listening to the iconic sounds of Michael Jackson, whose artistry and performances captivated millions. The soulful sounds of Whitney Houston touched my heart as well, and Prince pushed boundaries and challenged my imagination. As the 90s dawned, some of these musical luminaries easily transitioned into the new decade and continued to shape the cultural landscape. And while all three of the talented musicians listed in this paragraph have passed away, they still remain a significant part of the soundtrack to my life.
My son and I had a conversation about music recently. We were talking about the songs he remembers most from his childhood and his favorite artists today. While we chuckled about his fascination with the Baha Men's song "Who Let the Dogs Out" when he was younger, as an adult he has a serious love for 70's funk music especially bass players. He loves rap as well but we really don't have the same taste when it comes to rap music. I am most attracted to rap song today that sample older music otherwise, I really don't like the rap music today. I have difficulty relating to it but I am glad that genre has evolved and young people all over the world enjoys it.
In reflecting upon my music journey through the years, it becomes clear that music has shape my life. June, as Black Music Month, serves as a reminder of the rich contributions of Black artists and the enduring impact of Black music. From the soulful ballads my mom loved in the 70s and 80s, to the energetic beats of hip hop that captured my heart in the 80s and 90s, the soundtrack of my life has been a great mix of music. As we celebrate Black Music Month, let us cherish and honor the profound legacy of Black music and its enduring power to inspire, transform, and connect us all.
Sophia Brewer (M.L.I.S.) is Collection Development and Serials Librarian, Grand Rapids Community College; Co-President of the Greater Grand Rapids History Council; member of the Grand Rapids Study Club and serves on the Grand Rapids Public Library, Board of Library Commissioners (Elected 2016-2021). She is a former Head of Programs, Grand Rapids Public Library and former Branch Manager, Madison Square Branch, Grand Rapids Public Library Congresswoman
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