Noots Letter: The Invention of Music
February 2021
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On February 1st, I saw this infographic (@wetheurban) circulating on Instagram stories.
And because resharing infographics to your stories is the easiest thing you can do while still remaining oblivious, context is essential! The history of white people profiting off of and taking ownership over genres/songs (and literally making them worse lol) that came from Black artists is unfortunately a centuries-long pattern. So, here are some lesser known names to know better:
Mamie Smith, the first African American singer to record a Blues track. Robert Johnson, whose Delta Blues music went on to influence future guitarists across blues and rock.
Huddie Ledbetter (Lead Belly), “King of the 12 String,” pioneer of folk, and artist who popularized tunes like “House of the Rising Sun”. Lesley Riddle, whose guitar techniques shaped the sounds of the Carter Family country band.
Marian Anderson, renowned opera singer who became the first African American to perform for the Metropolitan Opera. Ethel Waters, the first African American woman to star in her own television show, whose performances earned her Academy Award nominations and Broadway roles. Francis Johnson, the first African American composer to have his music published.
Buddy Bolden, trumpeter and one of the earliest documented jazz musicians in New Orleans. King Oliver, who taught Louis Armstrong and played alongside Jelly Roll Morton. Richard M. Jones, jazz pianist, producer, and manager of Okeh Records.
Sister Rosetta Tharpe, one of the most innovative and significant influences of early Rock ‘n’ Roll. Otis Blackwell, who wrote hits like “All Shook Up” and “Great Balls of Fire”. Big Mama Thornton, who wrote fan favorites like “Hound Dog” and “Ball ‘n’ Chain”.
Lorraine Ellison, who sang with Gospel groups and recorded major Soul hits. Clyde McPhatter, a vocalist who blended R&B and gospel music, laying the foundations for Soul. Solomon Burke, a preacher and Soul musician whose works also ranged from R&B to rock.
Coke La Rock and DJ Kool Herc, who quite literally invented rap as we know it today. Sylvia Robinson, Sugar Hill Records owner and ‘Grandmother of Hip Hop’. Lady B, one of the earliest female rappers.
Pee Wee Ellis, who played with James Brown, defining funk music and proceeding to inspire early Disco artists like Norma Jean Wright, lead singer of Chic. Larry Levan, NYC DJ at Paradise Garage who popularized Disco and ‘80s hits. Sharon White, one of the first of female disco DJs.
Frankie Knuckles, Chicago DJ who invented House music. Detroit DJ and minister Robert Hood, who introduced techno. Lennie De Ice, who produced the first Jungle record. Kevin Saunderson, who fathered Drum & Bass, paving the way for future EDM artists.
And here a few more resources that I can’t recommend enough:
1619 Podcast, Episode 3: “The Birth of American Music” by Wesley Morris
“All Your Favorite Music is (Probably) Black” by Mark Montgomery French
Liner Notes for the Revolution: The Intellectual Life of Black Feminist Sound by Daphne A. Brooks
“The Whitewashing of Black Music on TikTok” by Sheldon Pearce
28 Days of Black History Newsletter (such as this feature on Julius Eastman)
“The Unstoppable Genius and Glory of Black Women in Music” by Danyel Smith
Even after ALL of this, racial segregation is still present among genres from country to indie and oddly visible among AI-generated playlists. I’m not going to pretend like I know anything about how algorithms work, but it seems like so much of the online content we are shown is specifically geared toward our individual profiles. As a result, I am consistently shocked by the homogeneity I consume and the amount of music I miss if I do not actively seek it out. If we aren't intentional about diversifying our listening habits, it seems that our exposure is only going to narrow.
So, happy Black History Month. May we spend the forthcoming months celebrating Black presence and futures.
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Celeste, Not Your Muse: Debut album from British breakout star who seamlessly blends new and old soul through soaring vocals.
Miss Grit, Impostor: If you love St. Vincent / Mitski / Hatchie (a.k.a. you are me), you will love the dirty, shimmery, delicious tracks of this recent NYU grad on her experimental debut EP.
Pink Sweat$, Pink Planet: Everything about this video and vocal performance gives me chills. I don’t know whether I want to make love to it or cry in someone’s arms as they envelop me in a giant hug. Perhaps both.
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Invention of Music, February ‘21: a selection recent tracks from Black artists who continue to break genre boundaries and pave the way for the future of popular music imho!
the millennium can have a beer now: the living compilation of all new favorite songs released this year. This is already nine hours and it’s only Month Two whoops.
P.S. special shout out to personal pals with new music! i am proud of u :)
Pyrite, an EP by LIV, produced by Louis DeFelice
“Jealous”, a folk tune by Dylan Landau