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George W. Johnson

The first black artist who recorded under a major record label. He was a whistler and singer who recorded for early 1890’s phonographs. He quickly became the best selling artist in the U.S. performing shows and songs unacceptable by today’s standards

Lightnin’ Hopkins was a blues musician, taking in the style from a young age. As he continued to put out music he became one of the largest and most defining figures of the blues genre. Hopkins’ guitar style was unlike any other at the time and paved the way for a new genre to emerge. When he passed away, The New York Times cited him as “perhaps the greatest single influence on rock guitar players”

Lightnin’ Hopkins

Lightnin’ Hopkins was a blues musician, taking in the style from a young age. As he continued to put out music he became one of the largest and most defining figures of the blues genre. Hopkins’ guitar style was unlike any other at the time and paved the way for a new genre to emerge. When he passed away, The New York Times cited him as “perhaps the greatest single influence on rock guitar players”

James Brown

One of the most influential figures in American music history. James Brown is credited with the development of several music genres, hence the name “The Father of Soul”

In his early career, Brown made hits in the genre of gospel and blues but as his career moved forward so did his musical style, developing into a precursor of the funk genre. Brown was known for his magical live performances and never stopped making music until his death in 2006.

Prince

From the age of 7, Prince was writing music. As he grew up he took inspiration from great musicians like James Brown to start to mould genre’s into his own. Funk and Rock (two of the most popular genres at the time) started to blend together in his music and by his mid twenties he was a critically acclaimed. Prince did not belong to a genre or category, he just made music. In 2016 Prince died of an accidental fentanyl overdose in his home. To this day he remains one of the best selling artists ever.

Wu-Tang

Comprised of members hailing from projects of many boroughs throughout New York. Wu -Tang’s first album “The 36 Chambers” is still held as one of the holy grails of hip hop. The album told stories of growing up from the bottom of New York, exposing the necessary means of survival and racial segregation that was in place. This rap group is still held as one of the most influential rap groups of all time, bringing hip hop much closer to a mainstream audience and what it is today. All members of Wu-Tang also went on to release solo albums under various record labels.