This article was first published on CBC Music in 2013.
Authors: Judith Lynch and Andrea Warner.
Before the rise of well-known Black musical icons like Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, and Nina Simone, there existed a group of remarkable yet relatively obscure Black artists who played a crucial role in setting the stage for the successes of future generations.
In celebration of Black History Month, CBC Music showcases 12 extraordinary, underappreciated music trailblazers that deserve recognition. Keep reading to explore their music and learn more about their contributions.
1. Portia White, 1911–1968
Originally from Truro, N.S., White was a contralto classical and gospel singer of African-Canadian descent. Despite facing challenges securing bookings due to racial discrimination, she made her national debut in Toronto in 1941 and eventually gained international acclaim.
2. R. Nathaniel Dett, 1882–1943
Dett, one of the initial African-Canadian composers to be part of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), was known for blending European romantic music with American spirituals from his upbringing.
Highlighted piece: “Listen to the Lambs”
3. DeFord Bailey, 1899–1982
A pioneering African-American country music star, Bailey started playing harmonica at the age of three and became the first artist introduced as performing on the Grand Ole Opry.
Highlighted piece: “Ice Water Blues”
4. Gladys Bentley, 1907–1960
According to the Queer Cultural Centre, Bentley, a Harlem Renaissance figure, openly identified as a lesbian and gained fame in the 1920s New York nightclub scene. Despite later denying her sexuality due to societal pressures, she continued to excel in her career.
Highlighted piece: “Wild Geese Blues”
5. Mamie Smith, 1883–1946
Smith, a groundbreaking blues artist, became the first African-American to record vocal blues in 1920, setting a milestone in the music industry by selling millions of copies within a year.
Highlighted piece: “Crazy Blues”
6. Gertrude ‘Ma’ Rainey, 1886–1939
Recognized as the “mother of the blues,” Rainey, one of the earliest African-American women to record music in the 1920s, distinguished herself with her soulful singing style. She recorded over 100 of her compositions during her career.
Highlighted piece: “Deep Moaning Blues”
7. The Mills Brothers, 1928–1982
An American pop vocal quartet that achieved immense success in the ’30s, the Mills Brothers sold over 50 million records with their versatile sound that spanned pop, doo-wop, and rock ‘n’ roll over five decades.
Highlighted piece: “Paper Doll”
8. Lucille Bogan, 1897–1948
Birmingham-based blues singer-songwriter Bogan, known for her bold and humorous songs on taboo topics, collaborated with pianist Walter Roland on numerous albums in the 1920s and ’30s.
Highlighted piece: “Shave ‘Em Dry”
Editor’s note: strong language warning.
9. Geeshie Wiley (recorded in the 1930s)