Was Rhythm & Blues simply another genre, or did it become the musical language that shaped the modern world? This essay traces the Black American origins of Rock & Roll, Soul, Funk, Disco, Hip Hop, House, Reggae, Afrobeat, K-Pop, Latin Pop, and more, arguing that Rhythm & Blues became one of the parent musical traditions from which modern popular music evolved.
For decades, Clive Davis has been celebrated as one of the most influential executives in music history. But what if his greatest impact wasn't the stars he helped create, but the musical traditions that disappeared under his watch? This article examines Davis' rise from Harvard-trained lawyer to industry kingmaker, the 1973 payola scandal that nearly ended his career, his rivalry with Walter Yetnikoff, the Whitney Houston crossover blueprint, and the corporate philosophy that critics argue stripped Black American music of its gospel foundation, live musicianship, and artist-centered development. From Earth, Wind & Fire to Bad Boy Records, this is a look at how one executive came to symbolize the transformation of music from a cultural ecosystem into a corporate product.
Black Music Month is more than a celebration of artists and hit records. It is an opportunity to recognize how Black American music became the foundation of American culture and one of the nation's greatest contributions to the world. From spirituals and gospel to jazz, blues, rock and roll, soul, funk, disco, and hip hop, Black American music has shaped the sound, economy, and cultural identity of the United States for generations.
James Anthony Carmichael, the legendary arranger and producer behind classics by The Jackson 5, Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, The Commodores, Atlantic Starr, Diana Ross, and countless others, has passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family. More than a musical genius, Carmichael was a devoted husband, father, and family man whose quiet influence helped shape the sound of American music for generations.
Kamasi Washington closed the inaugural Santa Monica Jazz Festival with a powerful hometown performance alongside Los Angeles based jazz giants including Terrace Martin, Tatiana Tate, Brandon Coleman, Miles Mosley, and DJ Battlecat. Curated by Stanley Clarke, the festival showcased why LA remains one of the premier jazz cities in the world.
Twenty-five years after First Born Second, Bilal returned to the stage at Blue Note Los Angeles sounding stronger than ever. In a sold-out anniversary performance, Bilal reminded audiences why real singing, live musicianship, and soul-driven music still matter in today’s industry.