Musicians: Mary Wells
Mary Wells (1943-1992) was the Queen of Motown. While her name is often excluded from the roster of Motown greats, she belongs in this parthenon of barrier-breaking talent.History classes can get a ba...
24 Helmi 20225min
Musicians: Ethel Waters
Ethel Waters (1896-1977) was a singer and actress who made a career moving from vaudeville and honky-tonk to jazz, pop music, and Broadway.History classes can get a bad wrap, and sometimes for good re...
23 Helmi 20228min
Musicians: Dinah Washington
Dinah Washington (1924-1963) rocketed to stardom in the 1950s. Her distinctive blues, jazz and R&B music topped the charts, earning her the title ‘Queen of the Blues.'History classes can get a bad wra...
22 Helmi 20225min
Musicians: Clara Ward
Clara Ward (1924-1973) was a singer whose storied career and one-of-a-kind voice helped bring gospel into mainstream music.History classes can get a bad wrap, and sometimes for good reason. When we we...
21 Helmi 20227min
Musicians: Eileen Southern
Eileen Southern (1920-2002) dedicated her life to documenting the traditions of Black music in America. Through her work, she illuminated her community’s true musical diversity.History classes can get...
18 Helmi 20225min
Musicians: Diana Ross
Diana Ross (1944-present) has a career that has spanned the last six decades. She is the only female artist to have number one singles as a solo artist; as a duet; as a member of a trio; and as an ens...
17 Helmi 20228min
Musicians: Gertrude “Ma” Rainey
Gertrude “Ma” Rainey (c.1886-1939) was known as the Mother of the Blues. With her full, deep throated voice and lyrics that celebrated the liberation of Black women, this musician influenced the genre...
16 Helmi 20225min
Musicians: Leontyne Price
Leontyne Price (1927-present) broke barriers by singing in a long-segregated style–opera. She became one of the most beloved voices of her generation and opened the door for even more Black opera star...
15 Helmi 20229min
