Trailblazing Black Musicians Who Transformed the Music Industry

The impact Black culture has had on music is profound. Black history is still being written every day across the board from music and fashion, to food and art. We’ve taken it way back, to spotlight the pace setters who were the first to achieve major milestones within the music industry, dating all the way back to the 1800’s.   

Ella Fitzgerald was the first Black artist to win a Grammy in 1958. This American jazz singer was known as the ‘first lady of song’ and made history by claiming not only one, but two gold trophies for ‘Best Female Vocal Performance’ and ‘Best Jazz Performance’. 

Tommy Edwards was the first Black artist to hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1958. He changed the game with his most famous song “It’s All In the Game” which has sold more than 3.5 million copies worldwide and also topped the UK charts.

The first Black musician to have a published musical composition was Francis Johnson. In 1817, Philadelphia born Johnson was the first African American to publish sheet music and went on to publish over 200 pieces. He was also one of the first to tour Europe with a band and perform in integrated public concerts.

George Washington Johnson was the first Black recording artist in 1890. He was the first African-American to make commercial records including his track titled “The Laughing Song”. 

The first Black man to own a record label was Harry Pace in 1921. The label was called ‘Black Swan Records’ and was named after the 19th century soprano Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield. Its mission was to serve Black singers, musicians and stockholders in Harlem, New York. 

These five trailblazers made moves that changed the world forever. Without their determination, dedication and talent, the music scene may not have become what it is today.