"America was the birthplace for many genres of music, including jazz and rock 'n' roll. Both have deep roots in the African American community. Throughout the 20 th century, these genres also helped change the cultural landscape. When people were divided because of race, music brought them together. When tragedies hit the nation, music brought people comfort, hope, and a way to express difficult emotions." -- Hoffman Academy
"First came the Blues, rooted in African spirituals and work songs from the time of slavery. Then ragtime brought recognition to musicians like Scott Joplin. The rise of jazz in the 1920s helped bridge racial gaps as an art form by people of all origins.
The beats and sounds of these genres then influenced rock, soul, gospel, swing, be-bop, boogie-woogie, and so many more! Many famous rock artists, including the Rolling Stones and the Beatles, credit the Blues and jazz as major influences. In more recent decades, funk, Motown, and hip-hop gained popularity, bringing with them new styles of dance and song." -- Hoffman Academy
This June, join MPL in celebrating four weeks of influential music artists who shaped America's music culture!
Blues and Jazz- Count Basie, Billie Holiday, B.B. King, Ella Fitzgerald
Rock 'n' Roll- Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix, Prince, Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Funk & Motwon- Diana Ross, George Clinton, James Brown, Stevie Wonder
Queens of Pop & Soul- Aretha Franklin, Beyonce, Etta James, Whitney Houston
and lots MORE!
Check out our Spotify Playlist featuring these artists and their hits!
Icons of Black music by 
On This Day in Black Music History by 
Jazz by 
Chuck Berry
Prince by