Revella Hughes was a soprano singer, composer, musician, recording artist, and the first female choral director for a Broadway production. She was known as The Colored Nightingale, The Prima Donna of the Musical Stage, and The Sophisticated Lady of the Organ. Revella Hughes was born on … Read MoreRevella Hughes (1895-1987)
Mance Lipscomb was a blues singer, guitarist, and songster, born Beau De Glen Lipscomb on April 9, 1895, to an African American father and an African American and Native-American mother in Navasota, Texas. Lipscomb’s father left the family when he was a young child, resulting in … Read MoreMance Lipscomb (1895-1976)
Robert Sylvester Kelly, better known as R. Kelly, is an R&B singer, songwriter, and producer who is best known for his hit song “I Believe I Can Fly.” Kelly was born on January 8, 1967, in Chicago, Illinois to Joanne Kelly. R. Kelly is the third of four children … Read MoreRobert Sylvester Kelly / “R. Kelly” (1967- )
Professional singer and guitarist Baaba Maal was born in 1953 in Podor, Northern Senegal, in a fishermen’s family belonging to the Toucouleur people. Nevertheless, his first contact with music came from his parents, as his father sang in their local mosque, and his mother sang during communal ceremonies. His interest … Read MoreBaaba Maal (1953- )
“Image Ownrship: Pubic Domain” Warner McCary, slave, musician, performer, self-identified prophet, and physician, was born in Natchez, Mississippi, circa 1810. His mother, Franky, was a slave, and his father, James McCary, was a slave owner and cabinetmaker who migrated to Natchez from Pennsylvania. Throughout his … Read MoreWarner McCrary (c.1810–n.d.)
Mabel Mercer was one of the most important jazz cabaret singers of the 20th Century. Her personal singing style emphasizing interpretation, diction, lyrics, and projection over vocal proficiency influenced numerous leading singers including Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Nat “King” Cole, Lena Horne, Tony Bennett, Rosemary … Read MoreMabel Alice Wadham Mercer (1900-1984)
Radmilla Cody, GRAMMY-nominated Navajo recording artist, was born on the Navajo Nation and grew up in Grand Falls, Arizona. Cody is of the Tlaa’shchii (Red Bottom People) clan and is also part Naahilii (African American). She was the 46th Miss Navajo Nation, the first bi-racial pageant … Read MoreRadmilla Cody (1975- )
Prince Rogers Nelson, songwriter, singer, producer, and all-round musical icon, was born on June 7, 1958 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Music was a part of Prince’s family; his father, John Nelson, was a jazz pianist whose stage name was Prince Rogers, and his mother, Mattie Nelson, … Read MorePrince Rogers Nelson (“Prince,” “The Artist Formerly Known As Prince”) (1958-2016)
