The Black Music Project

@nenesw1n6bill

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At 16, Yvette Stevens joined the Black Panther Party. She was responsible selling the Black Panther newspaper & helping start the free breakfast program for children.
Known as: CHAKA KHAN!
Happy 70th Birthday to Grammy Award winning singer #Chaka Khan #Spoutible #blacklivesmatter

04:13 PM - Mar 23, 2023

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The Black Music Project

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Before there was Berry Gordy and Motown, there was Vivian Carter and Vee-Jay Records. Vivian and her husband, James, started Vee-Jay in 1953. It was the 1st successful Black-owned record label. Their roster included Little Richard, The Staple Singers, and The Four Seasons. #WomensHistoryMonth

A photo of Vee-Jay execs (left to right): Vivian Carter, her husband, James Bracken, and President Etwart Abner

03:59 PM - Mar 22, 2023

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The Black Music Project echoed

Natalie Hill

@NattyJ

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Cool photo ...

11:50 AM - Mar 18, 2023

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The Black Music Project

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They formed in 1871 to raise funds to save their #HBCU Their repertoire mainly focused on Negro #spirituals They became so popular they toured the US and the world -- breaking racial barriers across the globe.

Can you name this renowned HBCU ensemble that still exists? #gospel #blackmusic #music

A silhouette illustration of a men and women from the 19th century that looks to be some sort of choir or ensemble group. Next to the graphic is the question: They first formed in 1871 to raise funds to save their HBCU. Their repertoire mainly focused on Negro spirituals and the songs of enslaved people. The group became incredibly popular and was one of the first Black acts to tour the US and the world, eventually playing for the kings and queens of Europe. They are hugely significant for breaking racial barriers across the globe.
Can you name this renowned HBCU a capella ensemble that still exists today?

11:09 AM - Mar 12, 2023

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The Black Music Project

@blackmusicproject

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Born in Little Rock in 1887, she was the 1st Black female composer to have a symphony performed by a major US orchestra. Many of her compositions dealt with the realities of life for Blacks in America.

Do you know this essential composer? Comment if you do. #WomensHistoryMonth #classicalmusic

A drawing of a Black woman composing at her piano. By her clothing and dress, the drawing looks like it's placed in the first half of the 20th century. The question next to the drawing says: Born in Little Rock in 1887, she was the first Black female composer to have a symphony performed by a major American orchestra. Many of her compositions dealt with the realities of life for Black people in America. During her career, she fought a continuing battle against segregation, Jim Crow laws, racism, and sexism.
Do you know this essential Black composer? Comment if you do.

10:22 AM - Mar 10, 2023

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The Black Music Project

@blackmusicproject

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Born in West Africa, at only seven, she was sold into slavery in Boston. Yet she became America's first Black female published poet (George Washington was an admirer). Much of her work has been put to music.

Can you name this revered poet from American history? #WomensHistoryMonth #Poetry #music

An illustration of a Black woman wearing clothing from the American revolutionary period. Next to the drawing is the question: Born in West Africa, at only seven, she was sold into slavery in Boston. Educated at a young age due to her recognized intellect, she became the first African-American published female poet. Her 1773 book "Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral," was acclaimed in America and England. And George Washington was a known admirer of her material. People of all races have admired her work for generations. In addition to poetry, she also wrote hymns, and notable American composers have set much of her words to music.
Can you name this incredible Black woman who was enslaved young but became one of our most revered poets in American history?

11:18 AM - Mar 09, 2023

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The Black Music Project

@blackmusicproject

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Recommend: We just picked up "When Broadway Was Black" by Caseen Gaines from Malik Books here in LA. "The triumphant story of how an all-Black Broadway cast and crew changed musical theatre—and the world—forever." #Broadway #blackmusical #books

Book cover for "When Broadway Was Black."

04:20 PM - Mar 01, 2023

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The Black Music Project

@blackmusicproject

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Ira Gershwin said of this singer, "I never knew how good our songs were until I heard [BLANK] sing them."

Can you name this jazz legend who many consider the most talented interpreter ever of the "Great American songbook"?

#WomensHistoryMonth #Jazz #Gershwin #BlackWomensHistory

A drawing of an elegantly dressed Black woman singing into an old time 1940 mic. Next to the illustration is the question: Legendary lyricist Ira Gershwin (who with his younger brother George were two of the greatest American composers of all time) said of this singer, “I never knew how good our songs were until I heard [BLANK] sing them.”
Can you name this jazz legend, nicknamed “the First Lady of Song,” who Ira considered the most talented interpreter of the “Great American songbook”?

09:41 AM - Mar 01, 2023

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The Black Music Project

@blackmusicproject

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We've accomplished a lot since launching last June (Black Music Month) 2022. But given the state of America and the world today, there's much more to do. Black music history is the story of America. #BlackHistoryMonth

Our story

https://www.griotseye.com/...

A collage from the Black Music Project site.

01:00 PM - Feb 28, 2023

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The Black Music Project

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Since launching, we have won #Design awards, been featured in major publications like Billboard, given presentations on #BlackHistory & #music for organizations & businesses like Ameris Bank & the NRAO. #BlackHistoryMonth

Our story https://www.griotseye.com/...

A collage of the BMP creative team and its accolades so far. 1) presenting on Black history to Ameris Bank 2) presenting on Black History to the National Radio Astronomy Observatory 3) Comm Arts Magazine feature and 4) Billboard mag feature.

11:01 AM - Feb 28, 2023

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The Black Music Project

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Pt. 3 of our storytelling journey about the development of The Black Music Project and its use of the Creative Process Model contains these wise words for America. #blackmusicproject #BlackHistoryMonth

Read the full story here https://www.griotseye.com/...

A drawing of George Clinton of Parliament-Funkadelic on the left. On the right is his famous quote, "Free your mind, and your ass will follow."

03:24 PM - Feb 27, 2023

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The Black Music Project

@blackmusicproject

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ON THIS DAY: Feb 26, 1917, is the 1st recorded use of the word "jazz."

The group was all-White, and produced "a watered-down version of New Orleans #Jazz ." Still, nevertheless, it was a revelation for White audiences igniting the US jazz craze.

This story would be repeated #BlackHistoryMonth

A photo of the 1917 Original Dixieland Jazz Band. This all-White group recorded the first jazz record. Next to the photo are the words: TODAY IN HISTORY: February 26, 1917, is the first recorded use of the word “jazz.” The Original Dixieland Jass Band (later renamed “jazz”) recorded the world’s first jazz record in NYC.
The group was all-White, and produced “a watered-down version of New Orleans jazz,” according to BBC writer Emily Bonnell in 2020. Still, nevertheless, it was a revelation for mainstream audiences back then and helped ignite America’s jazz craze.

05:55 PM - Feb 26, 2023

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Farrah Fazal

@Farrah

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Nina Simone would have been 90 this week.
Her music moves me. Shakes me. Sees me.
I’d love to hear your favorite Nina songs.

In the mid-1960s Vernon Jordan, the head of the Urban League asked Nina why she wasn’t ‘more active in civil rights’.

“Motherfucker, I am civil rights”-Nina Simone

01:45 PM - Feb 24, 2023

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Perhaps jazz's "greatest female musician." Her mastery as a pianist, composer, and arranger made her a sought-after talent for decades. She mentored younger artists like Dizzy, Thelonious, Bird, and Miles.

Can you name this highly influential jazz musician? #BlackHistoryMonth #Jazz #swing #music

A drawing of a smiling Black woman dressed elegantly and seated at an upright piano composing. Next to the illustration is the question: She broke many barriers in her long and productive jazz career, earning her the reputation as perhaps jazz's “greatest female musician.” Her mastery as a pianist, composer, and arranger made her a sought-after talent for decades. She mentored younger artists like Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, and Miles Davis.
Can you name this highly influential jazz musician?

10:53 AM - Feb 26, 2023

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The Black Music Project

@blackmusicproject

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"Jazz is music born primarily in a community with a historical memory of being unfree in a supposedly free land." — Ken Burns. #Jazz #neworleans #BlackHistoryMonth #neworleansmusic #KenBurns #blackmusicproject

https://www.blackmusicproj...

12:27 PM - Feb 25, 2023

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The Black Music Project

@blackmusicproject

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This bandleader is the bridge connecting jazz to flamboyant rock & roll front men (& women) who followed. His stage presence, dancing, and flair inspired Little Richard, Elvis, JB, Mick, Prince, Janelle Monáe and many more.

Can you name this influential swing musician? #BlackHistoryMonth #Jazz

An illustration of a swing era bandleader wearing a slick tux and brandishing a baton while singing. Next to the drawing is the question: This swing bandleader is the bridge that connects jazz to the flamboyant rhythm & blues and rock & roll front men (and women) who followed him. His stage presence, slick dance moves, and stylistic flair inspired Little Richard, Elvis, James Brown, Mick Jagger, Prince, Janelle Monáe and numerous others.
Can you name this hugely influential swing era musician nicknamed the
“Hi-De-Ho Man?"

11:41 PM - Feb 23, 2023

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The Black Music Project

@blackmusicproject

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Born in 1873 in AL, he changed the course of popular music by integrating blues and Latin rhythms into then-popular ragtime. He was a bedrock musician in blues, ragtime, and jazz.

Can you name this man that helped introduce a genuinely American musical style? #ragtime #Jazz #BlackHistoryMonth

A drawing of a Black trumpeter from the early 20th century. Next to the drawing is the question: Born in 1873 in Alabama, he changed the course of popular music by integrating blues and Latin rhythms he heard in vaudeville minstrel shows into then-popular ragtime music. He was a bedrock musician in blues, ragtime, and jazz.
Can you name this innovative musician who called himself "the Father of the Blues" that helped introduce a genuinely American musical style?

11:07 AM - Feb 22, 2023

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The Black Music Project

@blackmusicproject

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The Black Music Project was inspired by a 2017 work trip to Africa when creator @christopherfuller visited Cape Coast Castle and its infamous "Door of No Return" working w @griotseye Read our creative origin story here. #BlackHistoryMonth https://www.griotseye.com/...

The Black Music Project's creator, Christopher Fuller, stands in front of Ghana's infamous "Door of No Return." This 2017 visit to one of Africa's most prominent trading posts of enslaved people helped inspire The Black Music Project.

01:49 PM - Feb 21, 2023

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The Black Music Project

@blackmusicproject

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Born in 1890 in New Orleans, this ragtime and jazz pianist began his career as a boy playing ragtime in New Orleans' brothels. A self-proclaimed inventor of jazz he is considered the genre's "first arranger."

Can you name this ragtime and jazz innovator? #Jazz #JazzPiano #BlackHistoryMonth

A drawing of a man from the 20s era composing at an upright piano wearing a striped vest. Next to the drawing is the question: Born in 1890 in New Orleans, this ragtime and jazz pianist began his career as a teen playing ragtime in New Orleans' brothels. This self-proclaimed inventor of jazz is considered the genre's "first arranger" of jazz music. His work proved that though rooted in improvisation, jazz could retain its essentials even when recorded through notation.
Can you name this ragtime and jazz innovator?

12:32 PM - Feb 20, 2023

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The Black Music Project

@blackmusicproject

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Known as "the King of Ragtime," his works helped give America its cultural music identity beyond Europe. Though he died at 48, his music lives on.

He once told a friend, "When I'm dead twenty-five years, people are going to recognize me." #BlackHistoryMonth

Can you name this entertainer?

A drawing of a suited Black man from the early 20th century composing at an upright piano. Next to the illustration is the question: Born near Texarkana in the 1860s, he was known as "the King of Ragtime." His works helped give America its cultural music identity beyond European traditions. His music continues though he died at 48, nearly destitute in a mental asylum. He once told his friend, "When I'm dead twenty-five years, people are going to recognize me."
His composition "The Entertainer" was used as the theme for the 1973-Oscar-winning film The Sting. Marvin Hamlisch's adaptation reached No. 3 on the Billboard pop chart.
Can you name this composer?

06:42 PM - Feb 15, 2023

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The Black Music Project

@blackmusicproject

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Known as "the King of Ragtime," his works helped give America its cultural music identity beyond Europe. Though he died at 48, his music lives on.

He once told a friend, "When I'm dead twenty-five years, people are going to recognize me." #BlackHistoryMonth

Can you name this entertainer?

06:42 PM - Feb 15, 2023

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The Black Music Project

@blackmusicproject

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Her 1970 album made her the 1st commercially successful Black female country artist. In 1969 she became the 1st solo Black woman to play at the Grand Ole Opry. She had to overcome racism and sexism to make unprecedented history.

Can you name this trailblazing Black woman in #Country music?

A drawing of a Black female musician wearing a western get-up consisting of a sequined vest and cowboy hat. She plays an acoustic guitar. Next to the illustration is the question: With the release of her album Color Me Country in January of 1970, she became the first commercially successful Black female country artist. She became the first solo Black woman to play at the Grand Ole Opry in 1969. She would go on to play at the Opry eleven more times. She had to overcome racism and sexism to make unprecedented history. Can you name this trailblazing Black woman who broke down barriers in country music?

10:21 AM - Feb 14, 2023

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The Black Music Project

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He was a key influential figure for the legendary "First Family of #Country Music," the Carters. He met A.P. Carter, the patriarch, in 1928 and taught him his unique guitar-picking technique and traditional songs and arrangements.

Can you name this Black musician who helped shape country music?

A drawing of a middle-age Black man wearing a slightly tattered fedora and sports coat playing an acoustic guitar. Next to the drawing is the question: This man was a key influential figure for the legendary "First Family of Country Music," the Carters. He met A.P. Carter, the patriarch, in 1928 and taught him his unique guitar-picking technique and traditional songs and arrangements. He would later teach the songs to Sara and Maybelle Carter. Can you name this Black musician who helped shape country music?

10:31 AM - Feb 13, 2023

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The Black Music Project

@blackmusicproject

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The #SuperBowl is as American as apple pie and country music. But the roots of Americana always lay elsewhere (apple pie came from England). And country music's origins are more diverse (i.e., Blacker) than you think.

Can you name this Black Grand Ole Opry pioneer? #BlackHistoryMonth

An illustration of an older Black man player wearing a cowboy hat and vest fervently playing a harmonica. Next to the drawing is the question: A grandson of enslaved people, he contracted polio at three, stunting his growth and leaving his back somewhat bent. He grew up in a musical family who played what he called “black hillbilly music,” a tradition of secular string band music shared by rural Black and White musicians alike. He rose above many hardships to become a country icon.
Can you name this Black Grand Ol Opry pioneer?

10:30 AM - Feb 12, 2023

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The Black Music Project

@blackmusicproject

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“The destiny of the colored American ... is the destiny of America.”
― Frederick Douglass.

The Black Music Project’s mission is to show that the history of Black music is the story of America. #blackmusicproject #frederickdouglass #BlackHistoryMonth

A graphic of noted social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman, Frederick Douglass. Next to him is his quote, “The destiny of the colored American ... is the destiny of America.” And below that is an excerpt from the Black Music Project Mission: The Black Music Project's mission is to show that the history of Black music is the story of America.

04:32 PM - Feb 09, 2023

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The Black Music Project

@blackmusicproject

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This singer and actress broke many barriers in her long career. She starred in an all-Black production of a hit musical that won her a Tony in 1968.

Can you name her? Bonus points: Naming the famous all-Black production that won her the Tony. #Broadway #theater #blackmusicproject #BlackHistory

An illustration of a Black woman singing wearing a large dress hat adorned with feathers, in the style of the 1890s. Next to the illustration is the question: This singer and actress broke many barriers in her long career. She starred in an all-Black production of a hit musical that won her a Tony in 1968.
Can you name her? Bonus points: Naming the famous all-Black production that won her the Tony.

10:38 AM - Feb 09, 2023

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The Black Music Project

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She was a self-taught guitarist who impacted the folk and blues. Her songwriting and unique playing style influenced many folk artists, and she inspired the British musical phenomenon known as skiffle. She won her first #grammy at the age of 90!

Can you name her? Comment below if you know.

A drawing of a middle age woman in a common dress playing an acoustic guitar. She looks lost in thought while she plays. Besides the illustration is the question: She was a self-taught guitarist who impacted the folk and blues. Her songwriting and unique playing style influenced many folk artists, and she inspired the British musical phenomenon known as skiffle. She won her first Grammy at the age of 90!
Can you name her? Comment below if you know.

09:04 PM - Feb 08, 2023

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The Black Music Project

@blackmusicproject

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Considered one of the most influential figures in folk music, this former inmate helped to transform American culture in the 20th century.

Can you name this folk and blues singer who influenced musicians like Bob Dylan, Taj Mahal, Janis Joplin, and Kurt Cobain? #folkmusic #BlackHistoryMonth

An illustration of a male Black folk musician in tattered clothes playing an acoustic guitar and singing. Next to the drawing is the question: Considered one of the most influential figures in folk music, this former inmate helped to transform American culture in the 20th century.
Can you name this folk and blues singer who influenced musicians like Bob Dylan, Taj Mahal, Janis Joplin, and Kurt Cobain?

10:33 AM - Feb 08, 2023

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The Black Music Project

@blackmusicproject

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At the #blackmusicproject you can explore the eras, genres, and a growing collection of essential artists that helped shape the American cultural landscape. #blackmusicproject #BlackHistoryMonth https://www.blackmusicproj...

This is a sample collage from the Black Music Project's site that highlights the eras, genres, and artists that are explored there.

10:27 AM - Feb 07, 2023

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The Black Music Project

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He taught the Negro spirituals of his youth to Dvořák, who then incorporated their stylings into his work. Leading Dvořák to say, “In the Negro melodies of America, I discover all that is needed for a great and noble school of music.”

Can you name this composer? Comment if you know. #classical

A drawing of a middle-age Black man from the early 20th century composing at his piano. Next to the drawing is the question: Once an assistant to the legendary composer Dvořák, he had a distinguished career of his own. And he taught the Negro spirituals of his youth to the Czech composer, who then incorporated their stylings into his groundbreaking “New World” symphony. Leading Dvořák to say, “In the Negro melodies of America, I discover all that is needed for a great and noble school of music.” Can you name this influential African-American composer? Comment if you know.

10:38 AM - Feb 06, 2023

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