How A Black Queen, Prince, And King Changed Music Forever

up close photo of a microphone
Alyssa Guzik
January 21, 2025

Music has always been a force for social change, but these three powerhouses proved it in ways that had their fans shook.

Muddy Waters always said that he wasn’t political. Yet, when he left the Mississippi Delta and saw the economic disparities that affected Black folks, he joined the Poor People’s March on Washington, where he sang the blues that energized everyone to fight for economic justice.

The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, didn’t just bring a new vocal artistry to music. Alongside  Martin Luther King Jr., Al Sharpton, and Jesse Jackson, Franklin was a visible supporter of the Black community.

Prince challenged prevailing ideas about gender and sexuality and committed himself  to racial justice. When riots broke out after the killing of Freddie Gray in 2015, he performed a concert for peace in Baltimore, and he invited the attendees to wear gray instead of his signature purple.

These incredible artists teach us the power of authenticity and self-expression. By risking their careers for artistic and community integrity, they forged paths for future Black artists. Their sacrifices highlighted the complexities of Black identity, empowering generations to embrace their truths and challenge societal norms through music and art.

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