Gospel, jazz, and the blues are three forms of music which originated from the American South.

It was because of the lives of those who were enslaved, formerly enslaved, and the descendants of those who were enslaved that this music rose to be listened to on the daily.

As Black History Month comes around each year, it is important to remember all inventive creations attributed to Black Americans, including their contributions to the music industry.

Emilia Ross ’26 said, “I know from U.S. history that jazz music kind of came up from specifically African American culture, which united them during the time and still unites people today.”

Riordan, for example, incorporates lessons about music in the South, as it goes alongside the teachings of many famous Black figures in history.

Throughout centuries music has been an essential part of everyday life. In Christianity and Catholicism, music is a big part of the services and Masses.

Isaiah Mateo ’26 said, “I think gospel music is timeless. As long as Christianity and Catholicism stay alive, the music genre stays alive. It is an essential part of religion and practice.”

Genres that came about from the South transformed music entirely. Songs were a part of the protests for equality, motivation to keep fighting, community fighting, as well as community building.

Oftentimes, it will go unnoticed or it is forgotten that Black people were the reason behind some of the genres we listen to today. Bob Harrington, social science instructor at Riordan said, “It is important to recognize the unique achievements of African American artists  in order for our nation to continue aspiring towards a ‘more perfect union.’”He hopes to open an African American literature class this fall.

Jazz, the blues, and gospel were all types of music that African Americans in the South used to celebrate, grieve, tell stories, motivate, and most importantly, to unite.

In 1959, Berry Gordy founded Motown. “Part street corner symphony. Part storefront church gospel. Part jazz joint on a Saturday night,” as described by MotownMuseum.org, the production company introduced America and the world to artists like The Supremes, The Temptations, The Four Tops, and the Jackson Five.

Fast forward to the 1990s, and African American musicians were once again creating a genre that was once known only to certain groups, but was quickly becoming mainstream: rap.

Death Row Records, whose stars included Tupac, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg, amassed a fortune of $150 million per year before its ultimate demise.

Today, with Beyonce winning a Grammy for her country music album, it’s clear African Americans are an integral part of the music industry, from gospel choirs to stadium concerts.