African American Music of the 20th century

Musicals 1900s - 19200s

1900

These theaters were the one of the first musical performing opportunities for black Americans. They were performed by blacks for blacks. There musical style during this time was soon to be considered as classical and pioneered for later musicians to come

1950 - 1960

1940

Jazz hit the mainstream and was the first time African-American music culture was accepted as an art form.

1970s - 1980s

1970

Soul music was hitting mainstream charts using playful rhythm in their songwriting.

1990s

1990

1990s was the hip hop area and musicians were able to artistically express their problems with racial discrimination.