The latter part of 19th century was where the influence of African American music became great. The music of the African Americans became a part of mainstream American culture where it received a continuous rise.
From the early up to the later part of the 90s, the evolution and the continuous rise of African American music were apparent. From traditional work songs, spiritual, and Christian music came other different genres that are still gaining popularity through the years like jazz, blues, and soul.
Rhythm and blues, commonly known as R&B was developed in the mid 90s and it easily gained popularity with the youth which made it easily top the charts. Rock and roll was also developed by the African Americans during the mid 90s yet the genre became a lot more popular with the Americans like Elvis Presley. Rock and Roll became a more popular genre of music through the help of Jimi Hendrix; an African American who made innovations with the electric guitar through the use of pedals.
During the 70s and 80s, black bands became popular which became an instrument with the development of disco and hip hop through the fusion of soul and pop. The 1980s was one of the most essential parts for the full acceptance of African American Music through the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson. The popularity of the songs by Michael Jackson opened up the doors fully for African American music to be fully included in American mainstream. This has also led to a faster and a much wider influence to other people from different parts of the world.
During the 90s and up to the present, African American music continues to influence people from all around the world despite the diversity of culture and age. Hip hop, rap, and R&B are the most popular genres of music nowadays that also battle for spots in music hit charts. A lot of African American artists have also become part of American music history which is widely known all over the world.
Tags: african-american, music, jazz, blues, soul