Michael Jackson
Many people try arguing that Michael was ashamed of his race due to him constantly tried to change his skin tone, but this, of course, is just a rumor. Michael was constantly trying to better the lives of Black youth, through many foundations and charities, including The United Negro College Fund. He donated over $100 million in his lifetime. MJ was also the first black artist to appear on MTV, which had a very strict rule limiting Black artists from screen time. Once he got the opportunity, Michael’s videos became the most popular. “Thriller” is still the most popular and most viewed video of all time. Long live the king.
Recommended listen: “The Lady In My Life”
Billie Holiday
Holiday was brought up in a brothel house and at the age of twelve was arrested for prostitution. It was at this age that her love for the blues began. She collaborated with saxophonist Lester Young in the 1930s, and continued to make music with him throughout her career. The most notable song of their partnership was “Strange Fruit.” Considered the first protest song she recorded, Billie began expressing the pain she felt as a Black female entertainer. This only worsened her situation, as the racial attacks and sexist obstacles grew as rapidly as her fame did. Her alcohol and heroin addiction led to her downfall and eventual her death in 1959 at the age of forty-four. Her message and legacy live on, as she is still considered to have one of the greatest voices in all of jazz.
Recommended listen: “Gloomy Sunday”
Otis Redding
Otis Redding had a short-lived but full career. He began singing as a child in the choir, and Redding wasn’t only extremely talented, but was also a smart businessman. He owned multiple homes and 300 acres of land at the time of his death. Otis Redding made true soul music; white people respected him and welcomed his music with open arms, which was a huge deal for a time when segregation was still very common. He was the closing act of The Monterey International Pop Music Festival and one of the only Black artists to perform at Woodstotck other than Jimi Hendrix. What sets Otis apart is the fact that he made music for Black people to enjoy, and ended up bringing everyone together in the name of music. His final recording track “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay,” although released after his death, became his most well known song.
Recommended listen: “Pain In My Heart”
Diana Ross
Front woman for the infamous group The Supremes and film star, bombshell Mrs. Ross has had a big career and is still active to this day. Her career is one that spans over forty years. One of her most critically acclaimed films was her portrayal as the previously mentioned legend Billie Holiday in Lady Sings The Blues, for which Diana Ross received an Academy Award. She also starred alongside Ted Ross, Richard Pryor, Nipsey Russell, and Michael Jackson in the musical classic, The Wiz. Her skills in both singing and acting are monumental to say the least. She will forever be looked back upon as one of the greatest Black entertainers of our time.
Recommended listen: “My World Is Empty Without You”
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