African American music

African American music (also called black music, formerly known as race music) is an umbrella term given to a range of musical genres emerging from or influenced by the culture of African Americans, who have long constituted a large ethnic minority of the population of the United States. They were originally brought to North America to work as slaves in cotton plantations, bringing with them typically polyphonic songs from hundreds of ethnic groups across West and Sub-Saharan Africa. In the United States, multiple cultural traditions merged with influences from polka, waltzes and other European music. Later periods saw considerable innovation and change, and in the 21st century, African American genres have become some of the most dominant in mainstream popular music.

19th century

The influence of African Americans on mainstream American began in the 19th century, with the advent of blackface minstrelsy. The banjo became a popular instrument, and African-derived rhythms were incorporated into popular songs by Stephen Foster and other songwriters. In the 1830s, the Great Awakening led to a rise in Christian fundamentalism, especially among African Americans. Drawing on traditional work songs, African American slaves originated began performing a wide variety of Spirituals and other Christian music. Many of these songs were coded messages of subversion against slaveholders, or which signalled escape.

Related Topics:
African Americans - 19th century - Blackface - Minstrelsy - Banjo - Stephen Foster - 1830s - Great Awakening - Work song - Spirituals - Christian music

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During the period after the Civil War, the spread of African American music continued. The Fisk University Jubilee Singers toured first in 1871. In the following years, the Hampton Students and professional jubilee troups formed and toured. The first black musical-comedy troup, Hyers Sisters Comic Opera Co, was organized in 1876. (Southern 221)

Related Topics:
Fisk University Jubilee Singers - 1871 - Hyers Sisters Comic Opera Co - 1876

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By the end of the 19th century, African American music was an integral part of mainstream American culture. Ragtime performers like Scott Joplin became popular and some soon became associated with the Harlem Renaissance and early civil rights activists.

Related Topics:
Ragtime - Scott Joplin - Harlem Renaissance - Civil rights

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