By Marlon West, Good Black News Ska originated in Jamaica in the late 1950s and was the precursor to reggae. It combines elements of Caribbean mento and calypso with American jazz and rhythm and blues. Ska developed further in the 1960s when Prince Buster, Clement “Coxsone” Dodd, and Duke Reid formed “sound systems” to play American rhythm and blues […]
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Lauryn Hill Commemorates 20th Anniversary of ‘The Miseducation’ With New Tour | Colorlines
Hill: “I hope the love and energy that permeated this work can continue to inspire change with love and optimism at the helm.”
View MoreThe nation’s only African American piano maker counts ‘Empire’ and the Vatican as fans | The Washington Post
“Starting a piano company is not for the faint of heart,” he says. For the first 10 years, he struggled for funding, and he got help with his first patent only after several lawyers passed on it.
View MoreSouth Africa’s Boldest Women in Music on the Ultimate ‘Girl Power’ Anthems
Women’s Month is officially underway in South Africa. It’s a time to reflect on the phenomenal, kick-ass women in our lives and throughout history.
View MoreSelling The Blues
To draw tourists, the Mississippi Delta plays on its musical heritage
View MoreInside the Oldest Labor Union for Black Musicians
Founded in an era of segregation, the New Amsterdam Musical Association is one of New York’s most fascinating—and unknown—cultural landmarks.
View More‘Breaking a Monster,’ or How 3 African American Kids from Brooklyn Became Heavy Metal Superstars
When Malcolm Brickhouse, Jarad Dawkins and Alec Atkins were barely old enough stay upright on a bike, they formed a band, calling themselves Unlocking the Truth.
View MoreAt Carnegie Hall, a New Leader With a Son Named Hendrix
Robert F. Smith, the private equity titan who was named the richest African-American man by Forbes last year after making a fortune in software, also has a quirky musical side.
View MorePresident Obama Officially Declares June 2016 African-American Music Appreciation Month
As his presidency comes to a close, Barack Obama, is going out with a bang. Within his two terms he’s made some major changes in the country and his latest is one of cultural homage.
View MoreOfficials Announce New Details of National Museum of African American Music
Nashville music scene just received a significant boost. Monday, leaders behind the National Museum of African American Music announced major contributors
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