Women’s History Month: Pioneering Black Women in American Music

Donna Summers, Kym Mazelle, Betty Davis, Tina Marie Bell, The Sequence, MC Sha Rock, Ruth Brown, Ma Rainey, Rosetta Tharpe, Ella Fitzgerald, Mahalia Jackson

In light of Women's History Month. This post is dedicated to all the pioneering women in American music genres who have paved the way for the artists and music we enjoy today. These women are the trailblazers in the creation of American culture and in the art of music, widely recognized globally. May we always remember their contributions and continue to proliferate the art of music in their honor. Without them, there'd be no Gospel, Blues, Jazz, Funk, Disco, R and B, Grunge, House, and female presence in hip hop and rap. The courage to go first and share your art with the masses is not an easy feat.

Pioneering women in music genres, some of which were formerly male-dominated, faced another set of adversities as they gained recognition for their presence and artistic influences. May women continue to be inspired to create and share their musical and artistic gifts. The preservers of culture and generational teachers. A creative woman is a visionary and divine force. Obeisance to the avant-gardes who are American Music and Women's history.

• Rosetta Tharpe-Early Influencer of Rock n Roll

• Ella Fitzgerald-First Female Jazz Singer

• Mahalia Jackson-Gospel Music Pioneer

• Ma Rainey- Mother of the Blues

• Ruth Brown- First R and B female Artist

• MC Sha Rock- First Female MC

• The Sequence- First Female Rap Group

• Donna Summer- Disco Artist

• Kym Mazelle- House Music Innovator

• Betty Davis- Funk Music Artist

• Tina Marie Bell-Grunge Music Artist Creator