7 pioneering black artists who shaped modern music

The roots of popular American music often trace back to African-American performers

Over several decades, many artists have put their stamp on the pages of history. Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Chuck Berry — these are just a few artists who helped shape and pioneer modern genres as we know it, from jazz to rock to hip-hop.

See also: 8 historic women who pioneered the Civil Rights Movement

However, there are numerous black artists who broke ground, but have slipped out of modern mainstream memory. From Sister Rosetta Tharpe, a gospel singer who championed the electric guitar, to Count Basie, the first black man to win a Grammy, here are just seven of many little-known black artists we should remember this Black History Month and beyond Read more...

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