(ThyBlackMan.com) There’s something about Etta James that goes beyond voice. It’s spirit. It’s soul. It’s truth wrapped in melody. While most folks immediately think of “At Last” when her name comes up, real music lovers know that Etta’s catalog runs deep—deeper than many ever take the time to explore. This ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) Dyana Williams, Kenny Gamble and Ed Wright founded Black Music Month in June 1979. Also known as African American music Appreciation Month, it was first officially celebrated by President Jimmy Carter with a White House reception. Carter created a platform to recognize and celebrate music, and many Black music ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) Phyllis Hyman remains one of the most underappreciated yet undeniably powerful voices in the history of soul, R&B, and jazz-influenced music. Known for her unmistakable alto, emotional transparency, and commanding stage presence, Hyman carved a niche that defied industry trends. While commercial superstardom largely eluded her, her artistry has ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) This is the fourth time I’ve written about Sam Cooke—and fans still keep asking for more. And honestly, it makes perfect sense. Sam Cooke is one of those rare artists whose catalog runs so deep, even longtime listeners find themselves uncovering hidden treasures. His music isn’t just timeless—it’s alive. ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) Shirley Horn was never one to chase the spotlight. Instead, she let the music whisper, sway, and ache on its own terms. A master of restraint, she redefined jazz vocal performance by doing less and saying more. Accompanying herself on the piano, Horn’s phrasing and timing could freeze time—each ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) When people think of Jimi Hendrix, they often picture the explosive stage presence, flaming guitars, and unforgettable hits like “Purple Haze” or “All Along the Watchtower.” But there’s another side to Hendrix—one that’s often overlooked. Beneath the rock icon exterior was an introspective artist, a composer of moods, and ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) Brian Wilson, the genius behind The Beach Boys and one of the most groundbreaking songwriters and producers in modern music history, has passed away. The news of his death has reverberated through the music world like a somber wave crashing upon the shore—echoing with the harmonies he once crafted, ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) When I first stumbled across Freddie Hubbard’s music, I didn’t expect it to hit so hard—emotionally, spiritually, and musically. But that’s the thing about Hubbard: his trumpet doesn’t just play notes, it tells stories. Whether you’re knee-deep in jazz already or just starting to explore the genre, Hubbard is ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) The world has lost one of its greatest architects of sound. Sly Stone, the enigmatic genius behind Sly and the Family Stone, passed away on June 9 at the age of 82, leaving behind a sonic blueprint that continues to influence funk, soul, hip hop, and modern rock. While ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) India.Arie is one of those artists whose music offers more than melody—it delivers medicine for the soul. With her warm vocals, acoustic stylings, and empowering lyrics, she’s spent the last two decades redefining what it means to make “conscious” R&B. She’s not chasing trends; instead, she crafts songs that ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) Few artists have left a mark on American music as enduring as Fats Domino. With his unmistakable New Orleans flair, Domino didn’t just play piano — he crafted a sound that blended rhythm and blues with early rock and roll in a way that felt both effortless and revolutionary. ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) There’s something magical about George Duke’s music that’s hard to put into words—but you feel it. Whether he’s laying down a slick funk groove or caressing a melody on the piano, Duke has a way of pulling you into his world. He wasn’t just a master of jazz, funk, ...