(ThyBlackMan.com)  As the undisputed “Empress of the Blues,” Bessie Smith’s voice is a cornerstone of American music history. Her raw emotion, unwavering strength, and uncompromising style helped shape blues music as a genre and paved the way for generations of artists who followed. Though she recorded primarily in the 1920s ...

(ThyBlackMan.com) When people talk about Beyoncé, the conversation usually starts with the hits—those global anthems like “Crazy in Love,” “Single Ladies,” and “Formation” that changed pop music forever. But as someone who’s spent years digging deep into her catalog, I can tell you the real magic happens between the singles. ...

(ThyBlackMan.com) Few artists in modern music embody the spirit of innovation quite like Herbie Hancock. From his formative years with Miles Davis to his own trailblazing solo career, Hancock has consistently pushed the boundaries of jazz, blending tradition with bold experimentation. His discography spans decades, yet it remains remarkably cohesive—united ...

(ThyBlackMan.com) When you talk about vocalists who truly understood the heart of R&B, Glenn Jones deserves a seat at the table. His voice—clear, expressive, and soul-drenched—has long been one of the genre’s hidden treasures. While he may not have reached the commercial heights of some of his contemporaries, what Glenn ...

(ThyBlackMan.com) You never really hear Sonny Rollins for the first time—you feel him. Maybe it’s in the way his saxophone dances like it’s got something to say, or maybe it’s that unmistakable tone—bold as brass, but warm as an old friend’s voice. For me, it started with “Doxy” one summer ...

(ThyBlackMan.com) If you’ve ever found yourself swaying to a gospel melody or air-guitaring to a gritty rock riff, you might owe a quiet nod of thanks to Sister Rosetta Tharpe. She’s not just a name buried in music history — she’s the unsung architect of it all. Long before guitar ...

(ThyBlackMan.com) There’s something about Thelonious Monk that grabs you—not with force, but with curiosity. You lean in when he plays, like someone telling a story just low enough to make you listen close. He doesn’t dazzle with flash or run wild with speed. Monk invites you into a world where ...

(ThyBlackMan.com) On May 8, 2025, the Catholic Church witnessed a historic moment as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected Pope, taking the name Leo XIV. This event marked the first time an American-born cleric ascended to the papacy, a significant milestone in the Church’s 2,000-year history. Pope Leo XIV’s election ...