A History of Black Musical Influence and Appropriation in the United States

Black music has long played a dominant role in American music and has frequently been taken over and popularized by white musicians. This book presents an overview of this influence, as well as discussions of how white musicians, corporations, and entrepreneurs appropriated, adapted, and even stole this music. It addresses why and how this occurred throughout recent history and in a variety of musical idioms. Examples discussed include the convoluted history of the minstrel era, Black pop and rock artists, white blues, jazz, rhythm and blues, and hip-hop musicians. Further examination into American music then reveals how Black musicians rebelled against the white domination of swing music, and how African Americans have influenced classical music compositions and performance styles. The book highlights the prevalence and importance of Black music in virtually every American music style, the often-hidden or little-noticed interactions of Black and white musicians, and it answers questions about how the music business succeeded in monetizing Black musical styles to market this music to mass audiences.