The Power of Music and its Prominent Role Throughout Black History

By: Jennifer Magdalene

On average, people in the United States spend an impressive 26.9 hours per week listening to music. This averages out to three hours and 50 minutes of music listening per day, however, while listening to music can be a form of relaxation, a way to unwind, celebrate, or to feel strong emotions like sadness, many may not realize the role that so many of our favorite songs play throughout Black history. From where Black music began to the powerful feelings that can be evoked when listening even today, here’s just how powerful music can be.

A longstanding history

The origin of Black music can be traced back to slavery, with spirituals being one of the earliest forms of musical expression. According to one Buzzfeed article, those who were enslaved were forbidden to speak their native languages (as slave owners were afraid they would plan/share escape routes, seek revenge, or rebel), thus leaving singing and creating songs as a form of communication of feelings from sorrow to hope. Post slavery in the 1860s, it’s noted that the creation of Blues took life in the south, a genre that took inspiration from work songs/spirituals, while Jazz first appeared around the 1890s, according to the article.

There have been countless influential Black artists throughout history and spanning across a variety of genres,  from Miles Davis, who challenged creativity in jazz to Aretha Franklin, who blended gospel with jazz, blues, and R&B. In addition to the artists themselves, many songs throughout history work to highlight the various social issues of their time. Sam Cooke’s A Change is Gonna Come (1964) is just one prominent example, in which his inspiration for the song was based on milestones from his own life. According to one Mezz Entertainment article, one of the most prominent of these moments is when he and his crew were turned away from a “whites only” motel for being Black, thus highlighting the song’s emotion behind racial segregation. N.W.A.’s F**k Tha Police (1988), on the other hand, was written after N.W.A. was harassed by a local police department. In regard to the song, Mezz Entertainment states, “It depicts America’s heavy racial profiling and police brutality at the time, and was a part of Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”

Music and emotion

Depending on who you ask and when, listening to music can be described as an emotional, sad, uplifting, or joyful experience (to name a few). For some, listening to a favorite song or playlist can be the ideal way to get into a more positive mood, and there’s research to back that up — for example, one study found that 60% of Australians that listen to music while at work say it helps them get into a positive mood, while 64% of Aussies also said that music was more effective in helping them get work done than coffee. Dr. Adrian North, Head of Psychology at Curtin University, notes that “There’s an undeniable link between the degree to which we experience stress release or motivation from music.”

Many songs throughout the history of Black music hold an immense amount of emotion, whether it be through the lyrics themselves or the overall tone. However, when listening, it’s important to note that even sad music can have an effect on our emotions — In fact, one study found that listening to sad music evokes positive feelings in listeners, partly due to the fact that it “provides a safe container in which to experience their emotions.” Another study, according to Newport Academy, found that sad music evokes “a mix of pleasure, pain, and comfort,” thus highlighting the strong emotions that can come from listening to even melancholy tunes.

A powerful way to connect

“Every genre that is born from America has Black roots associated with it, from rock ‘n’ roll to blues to disco,” says Sidney Madden, a co-host of NPR’s podcast “Louder Than a Riot,” which focuses on the intersection of music and culture. “The fingerprints of Black creators are all over what makes American music so unique,” added Madden, highlighting how Black music has influenced the music/entertainment industry as a whole. In addition to physically affecting the brain, our emotions, and our mental health, music can play an integral role in connecting us to people and culture. Music is powerful in the sense that it has the ability to unite people, with Healthline noting that protest songs stir a sense of shared purpose while hymns build group identity in church. For many in the Black community, music can be a way to explore emotions about issues surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement, police brutality, and discrimination, in addition to the numerous additional ways in which any human can connect through music.

Music has played a prominent role throughout Black history in America, from songs that encapsulate the emotions and events of their time to the influential Black artists who made history with their voices. For those who listen to Black music today, doing so can evoke a wealth of feelings and responses, from releasing stress to bringing comfort in addition to connecting with the culture.

October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

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