(ThyBlackMan.com) His Holiness Pope Francis made his transition on the morning of after Easter Sunday, after he delivered an Easter blessing from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, and after he toured St. Peter’s Square in his popemobile. His doctors had advised him to take two months of convalescence, but this ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) Sometimes the best musical journeys start when you wander off the beaten path. This being my second time writing about Stevie Wonder, I can honestly say his music feels even more magical the deeper you go. Stevie has given the world a soundtrack for love, struggle, hope, and joy, ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) When people mention Donna Summer, they usually think of flashing disco lights, sequined gowns, and timeless hits like “Hot Stuff” or “I Feel Love.” But if you stop there, you’re missing out on the full scope of who she truly was. Beyond the queen of the dancefloor lived a ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) When we look back at the golden era of late ’90s and early 2000s R&B, one name that always commands respect is Ginuwine. He wasn’t just another smooth voice on the radio—he was a vibe. From those futuristic Timbaland beats to the way he made vulnerability sound sexy, Ginuwine ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) There’s a certain mood only Johnny Mathis can create. You hear that first note—soft, romantic, almost whispered—and suddenly the world slows down. Whether it’s playing through a vintage hi-fi system or quietly looping through your earbuds, his music has a way of finding you when you need it most. ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) The first time I saw Prince in purple, I automatically assumed it was in honor of the Minnesota Vikings we admired during our youth. On this day (April 21) in 2016, the world lost one of the greatest musical polymaths to have lived – Prince Rogers Nelson. Born four years ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) Grace Jones has always been one of those artists you don’t just listen to—you experience her. The first time I heard her voice, it stopped me in my tracks. Deep, confident, and unapologetically different, it felt like she was singing from another world entirely—one where art, fashion, gender, and ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) Few voices in soul music history have captured the raw complexities of love and heartache quite like Percy Sledge. With a vocal style rooted in gospel tradition and delivered with unflinching sincerity, Sledge transformed emotional vulnerability into musical strength. His ability to convey longing, regret, and hope made him ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) When I think about the voices that shaped the sound of grown-up R&B, Alexander O’Neal is always near the top of the list. His music didn’t just fill dance floors or top charts—it tapped into the emotions that so many of us wrestle with: heartbreak, trust, longing, love, and ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) From the moment Ne-Yo stepped onto the scene, I knew he wasn’t just another R&B singer chasing hits—he was a storyteller. His voice had this polished yet emotional clarity that felt like it was speaking directly to you, whether you were dealing with heartbreak, falling hard, or just reflecting ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) The first time I heard Jimmy Ruffin sing, it stopped me in my tracks. His voice didn’t just carry a melody—it carried a lifetime of emotions. There was something so honest, so soul-baring about his delivery that it felt like he was speaking directly to whatever part of you ...
(ThyBlackMan.com) Macy Gray is one of those rare artists whose voice is instantly recognizable—gritty, soulful, and full of personality. When she arrived on the scene in the late ’90s, her sound stood apart from anything else in pop or R&B. She wasn’t chasing trends; she was building her own lane, ...