Sing To Me Muse: A Pictography of African American Female Musicians Through Time

Throughout time, music has been the ever-changing piece of art that illustrates the hardships, pain, and triumph within many minority groups. America’s first taste of African American music was slave music during the 1800s. We then continued influencing music through jazz, blues, gospel, and even rock’n roll, just to name a few genres. Instead of giving you an extensive spiel on their works, Brownstone decided to take a more visual approach and show the beauty of a few African American women, such as Bessie Smith, Aretha Franklin, and even MC Lyte, exuded through classic photos taken throughout their timeless careers.

Take a look at the inspiring women that have made the stamp for us in all categories of music.

Jazz- Billie Holiday

Blues- Bessie Smith

Gospel & Soul- Aretha Franklin

Rock 'n Roll- Tina Turner

Rhythm & Blues (R&B)- Whitney Houston

Rap & Hip Hop- MC Lyte

Within all of these photographs the essence of the ultimate woman is exuberant. Full of grace, attitude, beauty, and strength, regardless of any hardship, they overcame; especially in a community where the growth of the black woman was looked down upon. As music continues to evolve, we are grateful for the gift of song these women have used to tell their stories and for the imprint they have left in music over the decades.

--Rebecca Matey

Brownstone Intern