Also American
Struggle & ResistanceAchievement & Excellence

Field of excellence

Black Music

From spirituals and blues to jazz, gospel, soul, funk, and hip-hop.

On the timeline

  1. September 28, 1912
    W.C. Handy's "Memphis Blues"

    One of the first published blues compositions helps launch a new American art form.

  2. January 7, 1955
    Marian Anderson at the Metropolitan Opera

    Anderson becomes the first Black singer at the Met.

  3. July 30, 1955
    Chuck Berry's "Maybellene"

    Berry helps invent rock and roll.

  4. October 2, 1971
    "Soul Train" goes national

    Don Cornelius's show becomes a showcase for Black music and style.