Sheet Music Explodes (1850)
Black songwriters found success in the 1850s with so-called 'Coon Songs' - the soundtrack for the minstrel shows of the day. Songwriters such as James Bland, Ernest Hogan, Bob Cole, James Reese Europe, and Will Marion Cook (seen in photo in white shirt and pants) to sell popular songs over the next fifty years that reflected all that was happening in their world - the abolitionist movement, the Civil War, Emancipation, Reconstruction and the Great Migration.
Charles Albert Tindley is Born (1851)
'The Prince of Preachers,' Rev. Dr. Tindley, (d.1933), composed some of the earliest gospel hymns and founded one of the largest black Methodist congregations in Philadelphia at the turn of the century. Tindley's 'I Shall Overcome' (1903) is considered by some to be the inspiration for the civil rights anthem 'We Shall Overcome.'
West African Griots (1854)
In the initial push of European colonization of West African, the word 'griot' was coined by the French. While French general Louis Faidherbe was being appointed Governor of Senegal in 1854, his fellow colonists were discovering the oral poetry of what is now modern-day Mali, Gambia, Guinea and Senegal that dates to the 14th century. Over 150 years later, we recognize the line from the griot to the blues and to hip hop.
Ignacio Cervantes In Europe (1865)
In 1865 pianist Ignacio Cervantes, (1847-1905), left Havana to study and perform in Europe for five years, during which he won first prize in several contests. When Cervantes returned to Cuba he began composing music that integrated European classical tropes with Afro-Cuban rhythms - foreshadowing Jazz twenty-five years ahead of schedule.
Fisk Jubilee Singers Formed (1871)
After Emancipation, several universities were established for freed slaves, including Tennessee's Fisk University. In 1871 Fisk's Jubilee Singers became the first choir to publicly perform slave spirituals such as 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.' Under the direction of George White they toured the country - following the route of the former Underground Railroad. The Fisk Jubilee Singers continue to delight audiences today.
Gospel Music Today
The legacy of the Fisk Jubilee Singers and choir based gospel can be heard in all of today's black American popular music, but especially in the hip hop infused harmonies of Kirk Franklin & the Family. All roads lead back to Fisk. Listen closely to Franklin's 'Looking for You' (2005).
Joe 'King' Oliver is Born (1885)
Oliver, (d. 1938), raised on the streets of Storyville, New Orleans' red light district, was a mentor to Louis Armstrong, who played second cornet in his band, King Oliver and his Creole Jazz Band, in the early 1920s. The term "Hot Jazz" reportedly goes back to Oliver.
Bessie Smith is Born (1894)
The Blues' most famous daughter, Smith (d. 1937) was singing on the street for money before her 10th birthday and making hit records by her thirties. She had many hits but her biggest was Down Hearted Blues.' She's as known for her interpretation of songs as she is for being the first black American female superstar singer.
Bessie Smith's Legacy
From Etta James to Janis Joplin to Me'Shell Ndegeocello -- wherever you find the blues, interpretive singing, and a balance between vulnerability and power - you'll find the influence of Smith. Watch James' 'Beware.'
Scott Joplin sells 'Maple Leaf Rag' (1899)
Reportedly Joplin (1868-1917) sold one million copies of sheet music for 'Maple Leaf Rag,' but perhaps more importantly the song was to Ragtime what 'Papa's Got a Brand New Bag' was to Funk - the spark that lit the fire. Ragtime remained the worldwide popular music of choice up to World War I, after which Jazz took over.