history
Iconic moments in music history.
Bessie Smith, Billie Holliday, Etta James and Tracy Chapman The Bluesy Black Women that I Love
Bessie Smith, Billie Holliday, Etta James and Tracy Chapman The Bluesy Black Women that I Love By Kami Bryant My love affair with the blues began one day when I was fourteen sitting at Southern Illinois University of Carbondale’s library listening to scratchy songs on vinyl. My mother was attending SIU Carbondale pursuing her bachelor’s degree. I would spend hours in the library while she was in class. I didn’t finish eighth grade because I came down with a debilitating illness called Chronic Fatigue Syndrome when I was eleven years old. I spent most of the next five years completely bed ridden. My mother took me out of school and decided that I should be home schooled. When not lying in bed reading as many books as I could get my hands on, I would go to the library. The university library was a treasure trove and a holy place to my fourteen-year-old book worm’s soul. I would spend all day at the library reading books. I then discovered not only could I read books, but I could listen to music too. So, with big can headphones on, I discovered ladies who sing the blues.
By Kami Bryant5 years ago in Beat
Thanks for the Music
If there is one thing on which we can all agree, it is that there is little comfort or security in being poor. According to one census bureau study, almost twice as many Blacks live beneath the poverty line as the average U.S. citizen. Being poor anywhere means little access to counseling, therapy and other mental and emotional health services enjoyed by wealthier Americans. Could this be the reason African-Americans turn to music as a therapeutic alternative? Dr. Mark E. Williams, MD, in an article for Psychology Today, wrote “Because habits provide the shields and safeguards to anxiety by making the future more predictable and less uncertain, they can become the focus of anxiety.“ Hey! Music has helped me get through a lot.
By James Power5 years ago in Beat
Bulldyke Blues: Proud Black Lesbianism
Bessie Smith, Lucille Bogan, and Gertrude "Ma" Rainey - three names you should know by the end of this article. Each of these legends were openly gay during the 1920's and 30's and let their soulful, sultry music tell the tales. Before I continue, here is some background information for context and terminology.
By Gabriella Pomales5 years ago in Beat
Anna Gordy Gaye the female powerhouse behind Motown
Anna Gordy helped shape Motown When most people think about Motown, it is the founder, Berry Gordy, or the names of the top performers who recorded at the studio that come to mind. What may not be widely known is the role of Anna Gordy, who was behind the scenes of what began as Hitsville, USA in Detroit, Michigan.
By Cheryl E Preston5 years ago in Beat
Black Women in Music History.
Music would not be where it is right now if it weren't for black female artists. Throughout history, black women set the stage with their voices. They brought soul and spirit in what they sang or performed. We will explore these women who inspire and are respected in our music history.
By Anjalee Jadav5 years ago in Beat
Black Classical Music
I’m not a musician—I can’t even carry a tune. Even whistling is a struggle for me. When I’m looking for music to listen to, I want something relaxing that will soothe my anxiety, improve my creative flow or my mood, and either help me focus or sleep. Many of Nina Simone’s songs fit quite nicely into those categories, covering a number of genres including classical, jazz, and folk.
By Kelsey Reich5 years ago in Beat
History Of Chinese Traditional Opera
Since the Tang Dynasty's Emperor Xuanzong from 712 to 755 - that made the first nationwide opera troupe known as the" Pear Garden" - Chinese opera has been among the most common forms of entertainment in the nation. Still, it started almost a century before in the Yellow River Valley during the Qin Dynasty.
By Fahim Chughtai5 years ago in Beat
