Black History Month: Black Female Artists Who Changed Music History
Posted on Monday 23rd October 2023 at 16:00
Written by
Gigantic Tickets
Black History Month 2023 is a month-long celebration, recognising the successes and contributions of black people across the globe.
This year's theme is Saluting our Sisters; 2023 will see Black History Month shine a light on the invaluable and vital roles of black women in shaping our history and their impact on modern society.
In honour, we've put together a list of some of our favourite and most awe-inspiring black female artists who have had a huge impact on the music industry over the last several decades. We'll be spinning their music this month, and throughout the year, as we recognise their truly immeasurable talent. Check it out!
Aretha Franklin
The Queen of Soul and one of the world’s most influential artists
The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, has earned her place among the world’s most influential black musicians with such hits as “Respect”, “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” and “I Say A Little Prayer”. Albums I Never Loved A Man The Way I Loved You and Lady Soul helped establish her as one of the best female singers of the 60s.
Her musical journey started at her Father’s Gospel Church; she took those roots and introduced them to other genres, such as jazz, R&B, rock & roll and blues!
She has influenced numerous singers: in the 70s Chaka Khan and Roberta Flack; in the 80s and 90s, you can hear her in Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston; today, you hear Aretha in everyone from Beyoncé to Ariana Grande.
Nina Simone
An immeasurable impact on the modern musical landscape
Nina Simone, born Eunice Kathleen Waymon, undeniably left a mark on the landscape of music history. She used her music as a platform for social and political change, addressing issues of civil rights and racism.
Her distinctive contralto voice was a force of nature, capable of evoking deep emotions. It had an immeasurable impact on a wide range of musical styles, including jazz, blues, gospel, and classical.
She soared to fame for hits like "Feeling Good" and "I Put a Spell on You." Today, female singers such as Beyoncé, Madonna and Sade have emphasised how much they have been influenced by Nina Simone, while rappers Kanye West, Jay-Z and Lil Wayne have often introduced samples from Simone’s music into their songs.
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter
One of the greatest, most award-winning singers of all time
Named as one of the greatest singers of all time by Rolling Stone, there can be no denying the star power of Beyoncé. First rising to the world stage during the 90s as part of the ultimate girl group Destiny’s Child, the band would conquer the world with platinum-selling singles "Survivor", "Bootylicious", "Jumpin', Jumpin'" and "Independent Women Part I".
Going solo in the 00s she would elevate herself to "Queen Bey" status by releasing such colossal hit singles as "Irreplaceable", "Crazy in Love", "Break My Soul" and "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)". Her music explores themes of feminism, solidarity and what it means to be a woman.
A true cultural icon, Beyoncé has enjoyed a career that has seen over 200 million record sales so far. She became the most awarded artist in Grammy Award history, picking up a staggering 32, and has achieved many other accolades along the way. As documented in her Netflix documentary "Homecoming", she became the first black woman in history to headline the iconic Coachella Festival.
Ella Fitzgerald
The unmistakable Queen of Jazz
Crowned the "Queen of Jazz" and the "First Lady of Song", the unmistakable voice of Ella Fitzgerald echoes through the ages as many consider her an early incarnation of the modern pop star.
Honing her talent busking on the streets of Harlem during the 30s, she would move past her tumultuous adolesce and break through the barriers of a racially segregated America reaching ever greater audiences on stage, radio and even on film.
Fitzgerald performed for over 50 years, receiving such auspicious honours as NAACP's inaugural President's Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammy Awards whilst popularising jazz around the globe.
Tina Turner
Queen of Rock and Roll and two-time Hall of Fame inductee
The ultimate power ballad singer, Tina Turner is revered around the world for both her tenacity and rich musical legacy, producing such mighty hits as "What's Love Got to Do with It", "We Don't Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)" and "Typical Male".
Turner grew from strength to strength to become a defining sound of the 80s and beyond. Selling more than 100 million albums, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. Simply put, Tina Turner was the best.
Her story of struggle and success in the face of adversity has been adapted into a musical stage show, with audiences flocking to see Tina: The Tina Turner Musical for years.