The History of R&B Part 4:

The 1980’s

Star power and experimental music were part of this decade. Also, artists during the 1980’s have
shown the glory of their bountiful gifts using new, innovative instruments, powerful ballads, and the
genre of new jack swing taking the world by storm. R&B in the 1980’s had everything. If you wanted
slow jams, Sade and Anita Baker had sultry voices. If you like funky music, there was Zapp and
Parliament. If you wanted universal talent, you saw Prince, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Jody
Watley, etc. If you love ballads, you experienced songs from Miki Howard, Patti Labelle, and Ingram.
The 1980’s was the decade of my birth, and I was in Kindergarten back in the Fall of 1988. It was a
time of unique fashion, classic musical expression, and a higher growth of black excellence in the
world. That is why the music of the 1980’s includes some of the greatest sounds of all time. In our
lives, the value of our culture matters. The more that we follow the Golden Rule prodigiously, the
greater the Universe will be. Dynamic beats, beautiful fashion, and groups of legends presenting
monumental talent always define what the 1980’s was all about.
Whitney Houston held her award for Best Female Pop
Vocal Performance at the 30th Annual Grammy
Awards on March 2, 1987 (from Getty Images)

The Table of
Contents
1. Prologue

2. Powerful Ballads

3. The Quiet Storm

4. New Technologies

5. Legends Flourish

6. House Music

7. Unsung Artists

8. A Shift

9. Conclusion
Now, it's time to go into the decade of the 1980's. R&B music in the 1980's was heavily dominant
indeed. It relates to a golden age of experimental artists, fashion, and classic ballads. This era saw
contemporary R&B bloom from parties, graduation ceremonies, stadiums, and in the black
community too. Solo artists and groups of musicians inspired creativity and crowds. Legends are
synonymous with the 1980's. Quincy Jones worked with Michael Jackson to create the most selling
album in history with Thriller. Even to this day, all forms of modern popular music of the 21st
century has been indirectly or directly influenced by the songs from Thriller. You have artists like
Vesta Williams, Shamalar, Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston, Miki Howard, Freddie Jackson, Evelyn
King, and Patti Labelle singing their hearts out on multiple amounts of topics. Digital recording,
synthesizers, and synth pop music existed. We can never forget about how house, techno,
Eurodance, electro, and other music related to dancing were created. As the decade continued,
many R&B artists collaborated hip hop artists like Jody Watley and Rakim (with the song of
Friends on Jody Watley's album Larger than Life. To this day, both artists are great friends). 1980's
music was so great, that every genre of music was on its top form. You can see that the 1980's music
has stood the test of time with flair, emotion, and vocal power. Music from Billy Ocean's The
Colour of Love had riveting messages of romance and the love among human beings. Groups like
New Edition, etc. started on the scene. New Edition was so influential that BET made a multi-
series documentary about their lives plus legacies. Prince asserted himself as the premier multi-
instrumentalist. Prince loved to experiment with genres, and he loved the art of performance.

Lionel Richie, Morris Day, Melisa Morgan, Jermaine Jackson, Deniece Williams, The S.O.S Band,
Jeffrey Osborne, Earth, Wind & Fire, Stephanie Mills, The Jets, Marvin Gaye, Jody Watley, Angela
Bofill, Midnight Star, The Gap Band, The S.O.S. Band, Al B. Sure!, Gregory Abbott, Mtume,
Rick James, Zapp, Ashford and Simpson, James Ingram, and I can go down the list were legendary
musicians. Each of them not only sang great songs. They had charisma, personality, and a goal to
make the audience feel their lyrical content. Maze continued their excellence on soulful sounds.
The new quiet storm genre grew during the 1980's with artists like Luther Vandross, Freddie
Jackson, Sade, Anita Baker, Teddy Pendergrass, Peabo Bryson, and other human beings. The quiet
storm had relaxed tempos, rhythms, and romantic lyrics. The 1980's was the time of legends being
part of comebacks like Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Donna Summer, The Pointer Sisters, and Irene
Cara. Janet Jackson dominated the charts by the mid to late 1980's with dancing, music, and cultural
strength. Janet Jackson wanted to have her personal independence socially. Her message of personal
control of her life was exemplified in her music throughout the 1980's plus beyond. Jimmy Jam
and Terry Lewis used their producing sounds to help artists out including Janet Jackson. Janet
Jackson established a powerful foundation and blueprint for future music videos that involved
intricate dancing choreography. Janet inspired future women artists like Beyoncé, Ciara, Rihanna,
Alicia Keys, etc. Teddy Riley did the same thing of changing the game with new jack swing. R&B
reached new heights of glory and influence with the 1980's obviously.

POwerful Ballads
The decade of the 1980's was filled with great, powerful ballads. Back in 1980, Michael Jackson's Rock
With You (which is one of the great love songs on his Off the Wall album) and Shalamar's Second
Time Around dominated the charts. Michael Jackson by that time was his own man musically with
much more classics to be given to the world. Jermaine Jackson also made Let's Get Serious as a powerful
record. Diana Ross made her huge comeback with her song of Upside Down with a disco influence.
Diana Ross was one of the many artists who survived the reactionary, bigoted anti-disco backlash.
Stevie Wonder, the S.O.S. Band, Ray, Goodman & Brown, and other artists shown their gifts to the
world. By 1981, Yarbrough & Peoples made Don't Stop the Music. Smokey Robinson and Chaka Khan
had hits. Evelyn King released I'm in Love. Rick James, The Four Tops, Luther Vandross, Roger
Troutman, and Kool and the Gang flourished. Diana Ross had the duet with Lionel Richie with
Endless Love. Let's Groove from Earth, Wind and Fire blew crowds away with their sound. The early
1980's carried over the sounds from the 1970's. 1982 saw the comeback of 1970's and 1960's artists. Daryl
Hall and John Oates made the record of I Can't Go That (No Can Do) in 1982. George Benson had
the song of Turn Your Love Around. Stevie Wonder's That Girl was a classic too. Master songwriter
is part of Stevie Wonder's whole persona. Jennifer Holiday gave the song of "Am I Am Telling You
I'm Not Going" represents a large part of her career. Jennifer Holiday is very underrated as a singer.
Aretha Franklin, Evelyn Champagne King, and Marvin Gaye made their historic songs. 1983 was the
year of my birth, and R&B music was strong in its force. Marvin Gaye Sexual Healing was in the charts
from 1982 to January of 1983. Marvin Gaye had immense singing abilities amidst his painful life.
Michael Jackson had many hits in 1983 like Billie Jean, The Girl is Mine with Paul McCartney, etc. The
Gap Band made Outstanding. New Edition's Candy Girl was very popular. New Edition was a group
from Roxbury, Boston. They saw poverty and oppression firsthand, but they had a dream to express
themselves through music. Through mentors, family, and faith, they fulfilled their dreams in a
magnificent fashion. Later on, their contributions to music has been greatly celebrated. George Clinton
and Gladys Knights and the Pips excelled. Juicy Fruit came from Mtume.

She Works Hard for the Money was released by Donna Summer in 1983. Rick James had Cold Blooded.
Get it Right was made by Aretha Franklin. A'int Nobody was an anthem made by Rufus & Chaka
Khan. Lionel Richie made All Night Long. DeBarge was popular with the song of Time will Reveal.
1984 saw the continuation of DeBarge and Kool and the Gang making classic music. Patti La Belle
made the song If Only You Know in 1984 too. Cheryl Lynn made Encore, and Somebody's Watching
Me was made by Rockwell (with vocals from Michael Jackson). Cameo, Lionel Richie, Yarbrough and
Peoples, and Deniece Williams made songs constantly. The 1980's music was like a Dream team lineup
of artists. O'Bryan's Lovelite and Prince's When Doves Cry certainly were anthems about love. Prince's
popularity would explode with the film of Purple Rain which was a fictional film based on some
aspects of his life. Prince was an artist who can sing, dance, play multiple instruments, and write his
own songs. Prince worked with some of the best musicians and instrumentalists of our generation like:
Andre Cymone, Morris Day, Pepe Willie, Dez Dickerson, Bobby Z., Dr. Fink, Gayle Chapman, Brown
Mark, Jill Jones, Lisa Coleman, Wendy Melvoin, Eric Leeds, Eddie Minnifield, Miko Weaver, Susannah
Melvoin, Atlanta Bliss, Vanity, Sheila E., Levi Seacer Jr., Boni Boyer, Cat Glover, Candy Dulfer, Jevetta
Steele, Michael Bland, Elise Fiorillo, Rosie Gaines, Stonny T., Tommy Barbarella, Mr. Morris Hayes,
Tony M., Damon Dickson, Kirk Johnson, Mayte Garcia, Rhonda Smith, Catherine Dyson, Mike
Scott, Marva King, Larry Graham, Kip Blackshire, John Blackwell, Jerome Najee Rasheed, Geneva
(Tomasina Parrott), Milenia (made up of the 4 sisters of Mikele, Niyoki, Malikah, and Tia White),
Renato Neto, Maceo Parker, Greg Boyer, Dustin Meyer, Rose Ann Dimalanta (Rad), Chance Howard,
Ashley Tamar Davis, Cora Coleman-Dunham, Josh Dunham, Cassandra O’Neal, Ida Nielsen, Shelby
Johnson, Liv Warfield, Frederic Yonnet, Andy Allo, Donna Grantis, Hannah Welton, Joshua Welton,
etc.
1984 was a time of Billy Ocean's Caribbean Queen song, Ray Parker Jr.'s Ghostbusters, and Prince and
the Revolution making people dancing worldwide. Stevie Wonder's genius was further shown on the
song I Just Called to Say I Love You. The beautiful Chaka Khan's I Feel For You was an inspirational
record about romance. New Edition's Cool It Now was about childhood angst, and Ashford and
Simpson made Solid in 1984. Midnight Star made Operator. 1985 was the year when Whitney Houston
grew into another status of legendary artistry. Houston would be the greatest vocalist of our
generation. She was born in Newark, New Jersey to a church going family. Whitney Houston released
You Give Good Love, Saving All My Love for You, and other records in 1985. Eugene Wilde, New
Edition, and Diana Ross made music. The Commodores, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly had songs
like Nightshift and Back in Stride. Rhythm of the Night was a popular song of DeBarge. DeBarge was
a talented group of biracial artists from the Midwest. They had a lot of love for music, and they were
victims of abuse by an evil male (not man) who was their father. To this day, the DeBarge remains
very resilient and a key element of R&B greatness. This year was when the We are the World record
was made where musicians raised music to fight the famine in Africa. Fresh was made by Kool and the
Gang. Rene and Angela made their song Save Your Love. Freddie Jackson and Stevie Wonder made
hits. The Caravan of Love was a song made by Isley Jasper Isley. Loose Ends had their song called
Hangin' on a String (Contemplating).

Classic, Outstanding 1980’s R&B Ballads

Peabo Bryson and Whitney Houston’s Luther Vandross’ Chaka Khan’s

Roberta Flack’s 1983 Greatest Love of All 1989 Here and Now Through the Fire
Tonight, I Celebrate (1985) (1984)
My Love

Donna Summer’s I Janet Jackson’s Let’s Baby, Come to Me Anita Baker’s

am a Rainbow (1981) Wait Awhile (1985) from Patti Austin and Caught Up in the
James Ingram (1981) Rapture (1986)
 The quiet stOrm
The quiet storm was part of contemporary R&B. It dealt with a smooth, romantic jazz influenced
style. It was named after the song from Smokey Robinson's 1975 album of "A Quiet Storm." Its music
was pioneered in 1976 by Melvin Lindsey when he was an intern at the Washington, D.C. radio station
WHUR-FM. The quiet storm was loved by older music listeners including fans among all ages. The
songs of the quiet storm from people like Sade and Luther Vandross had a peaceful vibe. I never felt
boredom listening to their music. Their sounds were always exciting and inspiring. Sade's roots are
from England and Nigeria. From the start, she has shown a grace in her presence. Luther Vandross is
just Luther Vandross with a talented voice and dedicated fans. He passed away years ago, but his legacy
will always live on as a pillar of R&B music. The quiet storm existed in the 1970's, but it increased in
its power by the 1980's. By 1980, Teddy Pendergrass released the song of Feel the Fire.

Patti Austin & James Ingram - Baby, Come To Me from 1981 showcased themselves as a great duet.
Ingram would go on to be one of the greatest singers of all time. Patti Austin made an excellent career
as a magnificent artist too. James Ingram and Michael McDonald’s Yah Mo Be There outlined a
harmony of sounds. Sade's Smooth Operator in 1984 was raw with talent, and it was the start of her
long career spanning beyond the 2020's even. In the same year, Chaka Khan made Through the Fire
that caused audiences to praise her vocal skills. You are my Lady by Freddie Jackson in 1985 shown his
range. One of the Queens of the quiet Storm with Anita Baker with her song Caught Up in the
Rapture from 1986 including Sweet Love. Her music is the blueprint of quiet storm music. Anita
Baker is from the Midwest. From Roberta Flack's Tonight I Celebrate My Love in 1983 to Lionel
Richie's Hello in 1983, the quiet storm genre represents outstanding music. Past and artists of genre
are Larry Graham, Teenie Marie, Jon B., Brian McKnight, Regina Belle, A B. Sure, Phyllis Hyman,
D'Angelo, Babyface, Marvin Gaye, Paebo Bryson, Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, Stephanie Mills,
Dionne Warwick, Jill Scott, Billy Ocean, Chante Moore, Vanessa Williams, Heatwave, Maxwell, Barry
White, and other people who had great musical gifts. Billy Ocean's The Colour of Love have great,
sentimental lyrics of the following words that outlined the power of the quiet storm genre:

"...If I had to paint a picture

To show the world how true love can really be

I would use the brightest colours

To create a vision of harmony

Billy Ocean’s The Colour of Love video
showed the beauty of Caribbean culture and
the greatness of Black Love. It is a song with a
It would be a reality powerful, positive message. The video was
created in Barbados.
Cause it's only what's inside of my heart

You would see I've always loved you

Right from the very start

Tell me what is the colour of love, what do you see

Is it warm, is it tender when you think of me

I see the colour of love when I'm thinking of you

As a picture perfect painting of a love forever true..."

These are the legends of Billy
Ocean and Patti Labelle.
 ANITA BAKER
The legend of Soul
and R&B Music
“I think there’s no
sacrifice too great for
family, whether it’s
career, singing,
whatever.”

-Anita Baker

She is the Queen of the quiet storm. Her soulful songs are exciting and classic. I haven't heard of a bad song
from her. Her grace and talent are incredible too. She is Sister Anita Baker. Now, Anita Baker is 63 years old,
and she was born in Toledo, Ohio. She started in the music industry from the late 1970s, and Anita Baker
flourished during the 1980's plus beyond. She won 8 Grammy Awards, has 5 platinum albums, and one gold
album. Anita Baker was raised in Detroit. Later, Baker sang at Detroit nightclubs when she was 16. Baker
joined the Chapter 8 band during the 1970's. She and the band had the album of Chapter 8 in 1979. She
sang duet with band-mate Gerald Lyles in the song Ready for Your Love. Anita Baker made her debut album
of The Songstress in 1983. She changed the game with that album. Songs like No More Tears, Angel, You're
the Best Thing Yet, etc. were timeless songs. Rapture was her 2nd album in 1986 with Rapture, Sweet Love,
etc. The Rapture album sold over 8 million copies in 1987. Giving You the Best That I Got sold millions too.
The huge comeback album of Rhythm of Love in 1994 was powerful. Songs like Body and Soul and I Apologize
won Baker her 8th Grammy. Anita Baker continued to make music in the 21st century. Mary J. Blige was
inspired by her too. She loves her children and awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from BET. That was
in 2018. For years, she has shown how influential great music is all about. Anita Baker is a beautiful, elegant
black woman who is one of the living legends of music indeed.
 New technOlOgies
The 1980's in music advanced technology. We saw music using digital recording. This recording
allowed people to use synthesizers. The first CD Player was released in August of 1982. It was called
the Philips CD100. The 1980's saw the invention of the Walkman. People could walk around with
tapes playing with music being listened to more conveniently. The expansion of 1980's music made
music more international. In other words, music from Sade, U2, or Whitney Houston could be heard
in multiple continents at the same time. The drum machine grew into another level of sophisticated
power by the time of the 1980's. The Linn's LM1 Drum Computer was the first drum machine of 1980
that used digital samples of real drum sounds. It allowed users to tune the individual sounds to add a
swing effect to make a human drummer feel. Digital beats were a large part of the 1980's like Irene
Cara's Flashance...What a Feeling, etc. People used the sampler. The gated reverb sounds was done by
Phil Collins in 1981. This involved drum breaks. That is why when you look at it, the music of the
1980's was just as good as any music from any era of human history.

The Compact disk CD used to play music came out

to the public in the year of 1982. Decades later, we
have DVDs and Blu-Ray CD technology. The
Walkman (with a cassette tape in it) was invented in
1979, and it was popularized in the 1980’s.
 Some of the Top Selling R&B Albums in History
LAURYN HILL'S THE MISEDUCATION OF LAURYN HILL (1998) 20

MICHAEL JACKSON'S OFF THE WALL (1979) 20

MICHAEL JACKSON'S HISTORY (1995) 22

WHITNEY HOUSTON'S WHITNEY HOUSTON (1985) 22

PRINCE AND THE REVOLUTION'S PURPLE RAIN (1984) 25

MARIAH CAREY'S MUSICBOX (1993) 28

MICHAEL JACKSON'S DANGEROUS (1991) 32

MICHAEL JACKSON'S BAD (1987) 35

WHITNEY HOUSTON'S BODYGUARD MOVIE SOUNDTRACK (1992) 45

MICHAEL JACKSON'S THRILLER (1983) 66

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Some of the Top Selling R&B Albums in History (in the millions of copies)

For decades, Prince not only sang greatly
about love, romance, and life in general.
Also, he was a polymath or a
multihyphenate by playing multiple
instruments, understanding the music
industry, and establishing a monumental
amount of creativity. Always a
trendsetter, he has shown unique
fashion and brilliant artistry in our time.
During both the 20th and 21st centuries,
Prince articulated many messages about
society in general. He was born in
Minneapolis, Minnesota. His debut
album For You came about in 1978 and
his second album Prince from 1979
became platinum. He is very famous for
his litany of hits during the 1980's from
When Doves Cry, Purple Rain, and other
singles. Evolution was part of his
persona. That is why he was once called
the Sign for him to fight for creative
control over his masters, and other
aspects of his music. Back in the day,
corporations, in many cases, wanted
carte blanche control over their artists
with corrupt contracts and other tactics.
Today, many more artists have greater
independence in determining their
rights, their tour dates, their masters,
their publishing, and other aspects of
their content. Prince was the man who
helped to cause that reality to happen.
He toured the world too. Universal
acclaim existed among his albums.
Playing basketball, producing,
songwriting, and instrument playing all
encompass his life. From supporting
animal rights to acknowledging the
power of Black Lives Matter, Prince
encouraged political social activism.
Prince wanted the youth to embrace
code. Now, he belongs to ages as an
artist who wanted the world to know his
Rest in Power passion and his love of music on his own
terms. Most importantly, he wanted us
to be as honest as he was in expressing
Brother Prince. his genius and his Blackness. He was the
proof that unapologetic self-expression
makes the world better.
 Legends FlOurish
The 1980's had the flourishing of legendary R&B singers. The group Midnight Star were formed in
1976 at Kentucky State University. They are based at Frankfort, Kentucky. Their original members
were Reggie Calloway, Belinda Lipscomb, Melvin Gentry, Kenneth Gant, Bill Simmons, Bo Watson,
and Jeff Cooper. They were made with help from SOLAR Records leader Dick Griffey. Their debut
album was The Beginning in 1980. Their songs like Midas Touch, Love Song, You're Star, etc. were
clear on its expressions. Also, one of the greatest entertainers of all time was Michael Jackson. He
dominated the 1980's with albums, hits, and awards. His albums of Thriller and Bad influenced
modern-day videos and music to this very day. Michael Jackson helped to break down racist barriers
in music as a pop icon. That is why he always rejected racism and desired his songs to be appreciated
by anyone of any background. He popularized the moonwalk and the robot dance styles. Michael
Jackson is the most awarded artist in the history of popular music. One of the most powerful singers
of the 1980's was Phyllis Hyman. She was a legend from the 1980's and beyond. She was a singer,
songwriter, and actress. Phyllis encouraged the development of more black owned businesses and more
black representation in the music industry. She loved theater as she was in the Broadway 1981 musical
that was based on the music of Duke Ellington. The musical was called Sophisticated Ladies lasting
from 1981 to 1983. Phyllis Linda Hyman (1949-1995) was born in Philadelphia. The late man from the
Cosby show named Earle Hyman is her cousin. Phyllis' father was a World War II veteran named
Phillip Hyman and her mother was Louise Hyman. Her hit song of Can't We Fall in Love Again? was
a classic with Michael Henderson. She also loved opera, jazz, and other genres of music.

More Legendary 1980’s Singers

Christopher Williams Regina Belle Freddie Jackson Cheryl Lynn

 When Michael Jackson and
The Jackson family Diana Ross were on stage
gave us more than just together, they had great
timeless music. They musical chemistry. That is why
gave us a beautiful
they grew into being very close
sense of human
compassion and a friends. Diana always
tenderness. defended Michael Jackson in
his life with a great love.

Even before the 1980’s, Michael Jackson was a legend. From

Here is Michael Jackson
with his sisters Latoya
Jackson, Janet Jackson, and
Rebbie Jackson after he
won a Grammy for the
legendary album of Thriller
in 1984.
The 1986 song of We Are
the World wanted to
invest funds to fight
famine and poverty in
Africa. Michael Jackson
worked with Diana Ross,
Stevie Wonder, Lionel
Richie, and other
legendary artists.
being a very close friend to Diana Ross and helping to break
down musical barriers in the industry, Michael Jackson’s
superb accomplishments are always remembered by us.
During the 1980’s, Michael Jackson (who was born in the
working-class city of Gary, Indiana with very talented brothers
and sisters) became an icon of music. He released the greatest
selling R&B/pop album in human history of Thriller, he
Michael Jackson
toured the world, and he helped to modernize music videos in performed the
general. With his dancing, musical skills, creativity, Moonwalk dance at
philanthropy, cultural development, and compassionate spirit, the Motown 25:
Michael Jackson changed the world in many ways. Modern Yesterday, Today,
musicians would never exist as they do today without Michael Forever celebration
at Pasadena Civic
Jackson and other legends who sacrificed so much for us. Auditorium in
From the early to late 1980’s, Michael Jackson evolved to be a Pasadena, California
more mature, international musician. You can make the case on March 25, 1983.
that his Off the Wall album (from 1979 and is underrated) was
the most soulful album that he made. Also, Thriller was equally
important as Thriller expanded the culture of R&B music to
the world in a such a dynamic way too.

The great dancer Jeffrey Daniels was involved in the dancing of the Bad music video film.
It was directed by Martin Scorsese. The Bad story was about a coming of age story of a
Here, Eddie Murphy young black person trying to reconcile his educational opportunities with the suffering of
gives Michael Jackson the oppressed in the ghetto. The 1987 Bad album showed Michael Jackson being
the Lifetime vulnerable, angry at lies about him, wanting to fight injustice via his Man in the Mirror
Achievement Award in song, and willing to defend his dignity by any legitimate means.
1989.
Phyllis Hyman was on films like School Daze in 1988 that exposed colorism and other divisions as evil.
By 1991, her album Prime of My Life was the biggest album of her career. She was a kind soul and a
gentle spirit. She will be missed. A person with one of the greatest voices of all time was Mary Vesta
Williams. Vesta Williams had a four-octave vocal range. Her songs of Sweet Sweet Love (1998) and
other music remain part of iconic status. She was born in Coshocton, Ohio. Artists like Al Jarreau,
George Duke, James Ingram, Angela Boifil, Luther Vandross, Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, Teena
Marie, and El Debarge are legends who made the 1980's as one of the most talented decades in human
history in terms of music.

HOuse music
One of the most important music of the 1980's is house music. It is electronic dance music made
with repetitive four on the floor beat and a tempo of 120 to 130 beats per minute. It was created by
DJs and music producers form Chicago's underground DJ culture. DJs back then altered disco dance
tracks to get a more mechanical beat and deeper baselines. Many genres came out of house like UK
garage, dance pop, trance, electroclash, etc. There is deep house, funky house, ghetto house, tribal
house, etc. Many originators of the house sounds are people like Frankie Knuckles, Larry Levan, Ron
Hardy, Jesse Saunders, Chip E, etc. House spread from Chicago, then into New York, into London,
and throughout the world. House helped to strengthen dance and pop music which would continue
to explode in the 1990's. That is why elements of house has been used by Janet Jackson, Madonna,
and Kylie Minogue. House has an intro, a chorus, various verse sections, a midsection, and a brief
outro. House originated heavily from disco. Jesse Saunders' On and On in 1984 has been called the
first Chicago house record. Early house music appeared to positive message for all people. Hip house
used elements of hip hop in the music. Tyree Cooper's Turn Up the Bass featuring Kool Rock
Steady in 1988 had hip hop elements in it. By the 1990's and the 21st century, house evolved into
more subgenres and musical songs.

Unsung Artists
1986 in R&B shown artists with a lot of legendary artists and songs. It was a time when people like
Meli'sa Morgan, Janet Jackson, Stephanie Mills, El DeBarge, Michael McDonald, Timex, Social Club,
Jean Carne, Shirley Jones, Cheryl Lynn, Gwen Guthrie, LeVert, Oran Juice Jones, Bobby Brown,
Gregory Abott, and Melba Moore dominated the charts. Janet Jackson, Billy Ocean, and Freddie
Jackson had multiple number one singles in that year. In early 1986, Say You, Say Me was the song
done by Lionel Richie. That's What Friends are For was done by Dionne and Friends. Meli'sa Morgan
was popular. How Will I Know done by Whitney Houston was a classic. Vocally, that was one of the
most outstanding records of her career. Whitney Houston was already a legend in the 1980's. Your
Smile was done by Rene and Angela. Angela Winbush is an outstanding vocalist. Janet Jackson's What
Have You Done for Me Lately was creative. Janet Jackson wanted to show more control and
independence in her own life. Janet wanted to be freer beyond just being the lovable actress. She is
entitled to express her own womanhood in diverse ways. Prince and the Revolution made the song
Kiss. Patti Labelle, Billy Ocean, and LeVert made people dance. Word Up was done by Cameo.
Girlfriend was done by Bobby Brown. By 1987, R&B had more teen acts. Angela Winbush made her
solo artist debut. People like Jody Watley, The System, Gregory Hines, Atlantic Starr, Lisa Lisa and
Cult Jam, Alexander O'Neal, and other people were high on the charts. Jody Watley reached into new
heights. Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson made music that touched many lives. Luther Vandross and
Stephanie Mills including Freddie Jackson were excellent.
Let's Wait Awhile and The Pleasure Principle made Janet
Jackson's career reach into new heights. Michael Jackson's
Bad album was more than about creativity. That album
was about his anger at the industry and the things that
came with it. It was like Michael Jackson wanting the
industry world almost to leave him alone. Candy from
Cameo was an anthem of club music. Falling was made by
Melba Moore. Loose Ends made Slow Down. The O'Jays,
Earth, Wind, and Fire, Roger, Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam, The
On September 19, 1989, Janet Jackson
Whispers, and Atlantic Starr made more music. In 1988, released the album of Janet Jackson Rhythm
The Way You Make me Feel by Michael Jackson was very Nation 1814. It changed game of music. It had
social conscious records and excellent dance
powerful in 1988. Older and new artists were hitting their routines in her music videos. The legends of
stride like Keith Sweat, Pebbles, Morris Day, Teena Marie, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis produced the
album. It dealt with racism, poverty, drug abuse,
Tony Toni Tone, Sade, George Michael, Karyn White, and romance. After 1989, Janet Jackson
and Anita Baker. Cheryl Pepsii Riley, Ziggy Marley and became even more of an icon and superstar.
the Melody Makers, and Mac Band grown their musical
strength. Man in the Mirror had a social message from Michael Jackson (about how to make change
starts with changing ourselves). Love Overboard was made by Gladys Knights and the Pips. Stevie
Wonder made You Will Know. Wishing Well was created by Terence Trent D'Arby. E.U. had his song
that dealt with Washington D.C.'s go-go scene. Joy from Teddy Pendergrass was about life after his
accident still being spiritually strong. Lossey's Rap was made by Rick James and Roxanne Shante. My
Prerogative by Bobby Brown was about his controversies and determination to be his own man. Bobby
Brown left New Edition to pursue his solo career.

Giving You the Best that I Got from Anita Baker was one of her greatest records. Anita Baker expressed
the power and exquisite nature of love and romance with her music. Everything I Miss at Home by
Cherrelle was a great song too. In 1989, the 1980's ended with the growth of new jack swing and other
modern sounds. Roberta Flack and Jermaine Jackson had songs with their comebacks. Bobby Brown,
Surface, Soul II Soul, Stephanie Mills, and Babyface were on the move wither their music. Vanessa
Williams, Teddy Riley, Guy, Caron Wheeler, Regina Belle, Miki Howard, and Eric Gable made music
that inspired human souls. Superwoman and Love Saw It outlined Karyn White's powerful legacy.
Oasis was made by Roberta Flack. Can You Stand the Rain was one of the great songs of New Edition.
By the late 1980’s, Johnnie Gill brought a new flair New Edition’s musical sound. Dreaming from
Vanessa Williams showed her side as an underrated singer. A lot of people don’t know that Vanessa
Williams is an outstanding dancer too. Real Love by Jody Watley was classic. Prince, Natalie Cole,
Janet Jackson developed their crafts more. Here and Now from Luther Vandross was another classic.
Miki Howard's Aint Nuttin in the World continued to show her legendary status. All of My Love was
made by the Gap Band dealt with emotion, and Tender Love from Babyface was one start of his long
career.
 SADE

This is from Sade’s music

video with her band in the
song of Love is Stronger
than Pride in 1988.

Now, Sade is 62 years old. Her Love Deluxe was her huge comeback
music has been timeless. She was in 1992. It was over 4 times
born in Nigeria and raised in the platinum. Love Deluxe had music
UK. Also, Sade has Yoruba like No Ordinary Love, Kiss of Life,
heritage. She studied fashion Cherish the Day, Feel No Pain, etc.
design at Saint Martin's School of I remember when Lovers Rock came
Art. She was working with the out in 2000. I was in high school. It
British band Pride in her early sold a lot. By Your Side is one of her
career. She made the song Smooth greatest records. Soldier of Love
Operator back in the early 1980's. came out in 2010 which was another
From that time onward, she classic from her. By 2018, Sade and
exploded with popularity. her band released Flower of the
Diamond Life was Pride's first University for the Disney film A
album. Your Love is King is one of Wrinkle in Time. Sade released The
their classic songs. Promise was Big Unknown song. Sultry voice
Pride's 2nd album. Sade has classic describes her music. People from
songs like The Sweetest Taboo, across age brackets love her songs.
Paradise, and other music. Her voice is contralto. Hip hop
artists, soul artists, rock artists, and
R&B artists honor her legacy. Sade
is an icon and one of the greatest
artists of all time.

The Cherish the Day music video (from Sade) is one of

the most iconic music videos of the 20th century. The video
was made in 1993, and the song was made in 1992.
 A Shift
By the mid to late 1980's, a new shift happened in R&B music. It was so powerful that it influenced
pop and hip-hop cultures too. It is called new jack swing or swingboat. It was led by Teddy Riley and
Bernard Belle. This style of music used rhythms, samples, and production techniques from R&B, hip
hop, and pop. It merged old sounds with new music. Drum machines and hardware samples were
popular in R&B and during the Golden Age of hip hop. The music had elements of jazz, funk, rap,
and R&B. Many of their beats were created by the SP-1200 sampler and the Roland TR-808 drum
machine. Other producers involved in new jack swing were Timmy Gatilin, Alton Stewart, DJ Eddie
F., Babyface, L.A. Reid, and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. This style was found in Janet Jackson's third
studio album of Control in 1986. This revolved around a collaboration between the Minneapolis music
group of The Time, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and Janet Jackson. In fact, the Minneapolis sound
in R&B helped to bring more funk and swag in the genre to be honest. The album Control merged
R&B, rap, funk, disco, and synthesized percussion. The song Nasty had that sound too. Control
helped to bridge the gap between R&B and hip-hop music. D.C.'s go-go bands from Chuck Brown,
Trouble Funk, and EU were roots of new jack swing too.

Northern California's Club Nouveau covered Bill Wither's song of Lean on Me in 1987 in go-go. Teddy
Riley called this style new jack swing. He led the band Guy in the late 1980's to join Blackstreet in the
1990's. Riley used offbeat in a rhythmic pattern with 16th note triplets. New jack swing helped to unite
R&B and hip hop so much that they influenced each other by the 2000's in a very high level. By the
late 1980's, Andre Harrell also promote the new jack swing culture. Riley used sweet melodies and big
beats. Bobby Brown by 1989 had a song On Our Own with a new jack swing beat on the Ghostbusters
II soundtrack. New Jack swing was shown on Video Soul, Soul Train, Showtime at the Apollo, and
Arsenio Hall's show. Many of its elements were found in Kid n Play, Paula Abdul, Donna Summer,
Bell Biv DeVoe, etc. Keith Sweat, Johnny Kemp, Al B. Sure, Tony! Toni! Tone!, Karyn Layvonne
White, New Edition, Kane, Sheena Easton, and other artists had new jack swing elements as well.

Funk is a large part of music. It was created decades ago as early as the mid 1960’s in America. Funk
music deals with a mixture of soul, jazz, and R&B. It focuses heavily on guitar, bass, drums, and a funky
sound. The early to mid- 1980’s had an all-star array of artists who outlined funk in a diverse fashion.
Funk has influenced tons of artists from across musical genres like Michael Jackson and Me’shell
Ndegeocello. Funk elements has been part of more modern songs done by artists like Beyoncé, Bilal,
Amerie, Mariah Carey, D’Angelo, Angie Stone, etc. Funk music is still loved by tons of people including
our parents, and our grandparents.

Sky’s Call Me (1981) The Gap Band’s You’re George Clinton’s Atomic Howard Johnson’s So
Dropped a Bomb (1982) Dog (1982) Fine (1982)

Carl Carlton’s She’s a Bad Prince’s Purple Rain Cameo’s Word Up! Klymaxx - Never
Mama Jama (1981) (1984) (1986) Underestimate the
Power of a Woman
(1981)

Rick James’ Super Freak Commodores - Lady (You Mary Jane Girls’ In My Zapp’s Dance Floor
(1982) Bring Me Up) (1981) House (1985) (1982)
 Ronnie DeVoe
Johnny Gill

Ralph Tresvant

Ricky Bell
Bobby Brown

Michael Bivins

Since 1978, the R&B supergroup of New

Edition existed. They changed music forever
with their unique sounds, worldwide
acclaim, and powerful influence. From
Roxbury, Boston to other places of the world,
New Edition made classic songs like Candy
Girl, Cool It Now, If It Isn’t Love, Can You
Stand the Rain, and Mr. Telephone Man.
During the 1980’s, New Edition’s music was
everywhere. They traveled all over the world
with ups and downs that so many groups
have gone through. On January 24, 2017, a
three-part docuseries The New Edition Story
premiered on BET about their life story. The
New Edition Story was one of the greatest
miniseries about a R&B group in history.
Each member made their own music separate
from the group, but they came together in
1996 and beyond to made future New
Edition albums. In 2017, New Edition
received a Lifetime Achievement Award at
the 2017 BET Awards. New Edition helped
to bridge the gap among younger and older
generations for people to realize that love and
true romance have every right to be expressed
in music.
EXTRA, UNDENIABLE FUNKY MUSIC OF THE 1980’S

Kashif Saleem was one of the best

producers of human history. He could
play instruments, sing, write songs,
produce music, compose music, loved
to educate people (as a teacher), and
directed music. Kashif was born in
New York City, and he lived from
1956 to 2016. The sound of the 1980’s
was heavily influenced by him as he
worked with Evelyn “Champagne”
King, Johnny Kemp, Kenny G,
George Benson, Whitney Houston,
Meli’sa Morgan, Freda Payne, Stacy
Lattisaw, Melba Moore, Dionne
Warwick, and other legendary artists.
Prince and Rick
James were experts of
showing funky music,
experimental music, and
influential styles. Prince
was from Minnesota,
and Rick James was
from Buffalo, New
York. Each had
similarities and
differences. Yet, you can’t
deny their talent.
The theme music of New York
Undercover and other classic music was
crated by the group Mtume. James
Mtume worked with Miles Davis before
forming his own band. Juicy Fruit was
Mtume’s major song that was sampled by
hip hop artist the Notorious B.I.G. in his
1994 hit of Juicy. Many people in the
band are Hubert Eaves III, Reggie Lucas,
Basil Fearrington, Howard King,
Tawatha Agee, Philip Field, Ed Moore,
and Leslie Ming.

The S.O.S. Band of Atlanta, Georgia made
some of the best, popular music of the
1980’s. Their members include Jason
Bryant, Billy Ellis, James Earl Jones III,
Willie Killebrew, John Simpson, Bruno
Speight, and Chandra Currelley. Their
S.O.S. debut album went gold. Just Be Good
to Me was one of their many inspirational
songs that still stand the test of time.
The New York band of Skyy made the famous 1980’s song of Call
Me. They made a comeback in 1989 with musical anthems like
Start of a Romance and Real Love. The group started in 1977 at
Brooklyn, NYC. The Skyy had the sisters Denise, Delores, and
Bonny Dunning as vocalists. Guitarists were Solomon Roberts and
Anibal Anthony Sierra. Keyboardist Larry Greenberg, bassist
Gerald Lebon, and drummer Tommy McConnell ere part of the
group. Mastering romantic themes in songs is part of their
repertoire.
The music of the 1980's was a
golden age of creativity and
power. Massive new
experimentation of sounds and
technologies were abundant.
People wanted to use drum
machines, synthesizers, and
other devices to perfect their
expression of music. Also, there
were diverse singers like Sade,
Anita Baker, and Miki Howard.
People loved talent and wanted
to dance too. Disco never died,
as their descendants like house
music was available. Also, by
the 1990's, disco inspired songs
would make a huge comeback.
The 1980's also saw the
internationalization of popular
music with the advent of people
like Janet Jackson, Michael
Jackson, Anita Baker, Whitney
Houston, and Prince. From
Lionel Richie's ballads to The
Pointer Sisters, there is that
massive creativity involving
1980's music. Music videos
became more complex and
unique. Prince's When Doves
Cry showed imagery. Michael
Jackson's videos of Thriller and
Bille Jean excited audiences and
were ahead of their times too.
Sade's music videos showed a
mystique about her interesting
personality. Chaka Khan's and
Patti Labelle's music videos
were like massive events on the
screen. There was the exciting
style of singers like Vesta
Williams and the soulful sounds
of Stevie Wonder. As this was
going on, the public saw the rise
of Reagan and Bush Sr. as
Presidents. Both men were
Republicans, and the
conservative movement
dominated the politics of
American society back then. A
lot of people forget that the
1980's wasn't all peaches and
 cream. There were the War on
Drugs, the crack epidemic, the
growth of the prison industrial
complex, racist hate crimes, etc.
that harmed the lives of many
black people. We know that
Reaganomics doesn't work to
economically develop society
collectively. Yet, people never
gave up in promoting
progressive values. The 1980's
R&B chapter was all about
dreams coming true in many
ways along with how long we
must go in seeing the Dream
made real for all. It showed the
lives of men and women who
wanted to ascend into more
heights filled with soul and
inspiration.

By Timothy

Coming Soon: The R&B music of the 1990’s

will be presented. Enough said. I always love
music from the 90’s. The 1990’s had some of the
most powerful, excellent, and diverse music in
all of the human history.
MORE DIVERSE 1980’S SONGS

Sweet Dreams by Annie Lennox, The Clark Sisters’ You Africa made by Toto U2’s With or Without You
Dave Stewart, and the Brought the Sunshine (1982) (1987)
Eurythmics (1983) (Into My Life) (1981)

Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers’ The Bangles’ Manic Rakim’s I A’int No Joke George Michael’s Faith
Islands in the Stream (1982) Monday (1986) ft. Eric B. (1987) (1987)
 Today, some sad news is here today. A legend passed away on February 8,
2021. She had a generous spirit and was part of the most influential all-
women singing group in human history. She had a kind tenderness that
made people gravitate to her personality. Her wisdom was amazing, and her
eloquent words were always filled with ebullient power. She is the Sister
Mary Wilson. Like many from the Deep South, she moved into Detroit from
Mississippi at a young age. The Deep South had that soul of musical talent
among our Brothers and our Sisters. That is why the Deep South is the origin
of jazz, the blues, and much of the Motown sound in general. She knew
Florence Ballard and Diana Ross when many of them were living at
Brewster-Douglass Housing Projects in Detroit. Humble beginnings and true
camaraderie define her life. She was part of the Primettes, and then their
group changed their names to the Supremes in 1961. The Supremes was
before En Vogue, before TLC, before Destiny's Child, before SWV, before
Xscape, before Jade, before Brownstone, and before Blaque. The
Supremes toured the world and had songs not just about love (with classics
like You Can't Hurry Love, Back in My Arms Again, Baby Love, etc.) but also
with legitimate social commentaries like Love Child. Mary Wilson worked
with Diana Ross and Florence Ballard to be a team of iconic black women
Rest in Power who have shown elegance, grace, excellence, and a sense of determination
to promote their own dignity on their own terms.

Sister Mary They were the cultural heartbeats and the soundtracks of so many human
beings, especially women who fought for their dreams to be realized. Mary

Wilson Wilson's dreams were massively fulfilled in her walk. Her walk was filled with
love, loss, and perseverance. Completely honest, she shared her heart
about her experiences in the Supremes and her solo career. Mary Wilson,
(1944-2021) Diana Ross, and Florence Ballard are all equals. Known for charity work,
Mary Wilson gave her time and sacrifice to work with the NAACP, UNICEF,
the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, the
American Cancer Society, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, etc.
Caring and compassion define her monumental life. She lived a full life, even
participating in Dancing with the Stars in 2019. She loved her children,
grandchildren, and siblings. Legends are always honored by us. Mary
Wilson was not only a legend involving music; she was a gorgeous legend
outside of music. That is why we certainly feel a sense a gratitude for her
long, glorious life walk. She passed away at 76 years old.
Perri “Pebbles” Reid Vesta Williams Martha Wash Midnight Star

Lisa Fischer Joceyln Brown Al Jarreau Phyllis Hyman

Deniece Williams Patrice Rushen George Benson Mtume

Soul II Soul Teena Marie Jeffrey Osborne Eugene Wilde

Musical Youth Yarborough & Peoples The Pointer Sisters Evelyn King

Alexander O’Neal Cherelle Angela Winbush The Jets

 MANY OF THE GREATEST MOVIES OF THE 1980’S
The 1984 film of A Soldier’s
Story was based on Charles
Fuller’s Pulitzer Prize winning
1981 play of the same name. It
was directed by Norman
Jewison. The movie starred
Howard E. Rollins Jr., Adolph
Caesar, etc. describing black
solider life during World War II,
self-hatred, murder, and racism.
The Karate Kid (1984) was a
martial arts film when a
teenager (played by Ralph
Macchio) goes from New Jersey
to California to find himself. He
finds love, is bullied, and learns
the true meaning of martial arts
being helped by an elderly Asian
American man (played by Pat
Morita).
The Untouchables (1987) was a
realistic, action filled movie
about Prohibition and the end of
Al Capone’s wicked empire in
Chicago. The film was focused
on police officers who take
Capone down starring Kevin
Costner, Robert De Niro, Sean
Connery, Andy Garcia, etc.
Purple Rain (in 1984) described a
fictionalized account of Prince’s life.
A lot of the film shows the culture
of Minneapolis (with a large musical
culture) and the struggles that
musicians experience in order to
achieve their dreams. Prince’s
legend grew into another level by
the 1980’s.
Lean on Me (1989) was based on
the true-life story of the famous
principal Joe Louis Clark who used
controversial and reasonable
tactics in turning an inner-city
Patterson, New Jersey high school
around. Morgan Freeman, Beverly
Todd, and Robert Guillaume star in
the movie. It’s one of the most
inspirational films of all time.
Cry Freedom (1987) described the
life of the South African
revolutionary hero of Steve Biko.
Denzel Washington starred in the
role as Steve Biko being one of his
great roles. The movie never
sugarcoated the brutality and
injustice of the apartheid system.
The movie was shot in Zimbabwe
and Kenya. Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika
The Color Purple (1985) was a film
based on Alice Walker’s novel of
the same name. The movie is
based on the accurate experiences
of many people of the Deep South
(of the early 20th century) from
racism, abuse, sex, love,
friendship, and other emotions of
the human family. Steven
Spielberg directed the film.
Whoopi Goldberg starred in this
epic film.
Bird (1988) is one of the most
unsung films of the 1980’s. The
movie is about the tragic, sad life of
jazz musician Charlie “Bird” Parker.
He was only 34 when he passed.
Clint Eastwood directed the film
starring Forest Whitaker in one of
his greatest roles.
The U.S. Civil War’s outline of
African American courage was
presented in the 1989 film of
Glory. The movie described the
story of the 54th Massachusetts
Infantry Regiment. It starred
Denzel Washington, Morgan
Freeman, Matthew Broderick, and
Cary Elwes. During the 1990’s, I
saw that excellent film many times.
Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing in 1989
was the perfect film that outlined the
climate of late 80’s America. The film
tackled racism, poverty, police
brutality, gentrification, and other
subjects that we still deal with in early
2021. Spike Lee, Ruby Dee, and Ossie
Davis star in the movie. Do the Right
Thing comes about during the same
time when racist terrorism and police
brutality ran rampant in NYC.
Coming to America (1988) was a dream
of Eddie Murphy. It was a movie about
a fictional African Kingdom with a man
destined to be ruler going into New
York City during the 1980’s to find a
bride. It starred legends like Eddie
Murphy, Shari Headley, John Amos,
James Earl Jones, Arsenio Hall, Madge
Sinclair, etc.
Before the Matrix in 1999, there was
the 1982 film of Blade Runner. Blade
Runner was a science fiction film that
dealt with cloning, human dignity,
advanced technologies, and
exceptional graphics for the time.
Harrison Ford starred in the movie.
On August of 1983, people
came to commemorate the 20th
year Anniversary of the 1963
March on Washington. Also,
human beings came to
Washington, D.C. to continue
to fight to justice and equality
for all.
The Berlin Wall started to come
down in 1989. It took decades
for Germany to be unified.
After years of tensions,
division, and other chaotic
situations, the Cold War soon
ended after the wall fell.
In 1981, Columbia flown in the
air as Columbia was the first
space shuttle flying into space
during world history.
Live Aid (in 1985) was a charity
music concert among human
beings of many backgrounds to
raise funds to help end the
famine in Ethiopia. During the
age of the 1980’s, many
musicians and other people
stood up to endorse legitimate
causes.
In 1981, IBM released its
personal computer. Later, ever
PC released would be
ultimately influenced by IBM’s
invention. Now, we have
computers of many stripes and
types.
The birth of BET existed in
1980. For more than 40 years,
BET has shown programming in
dealing with news, music, social
issue discussions,
documentaries, and other
shows that describe the
diversity and the beauty of the
black experience.
 Cicely Tyson
(1924-2021)

Today, we acknowledge deeply the passing of one of the greatest black icons of all time. She came about in the
world to do movies, to be in TV movies, to promote the dynamic power of black people, and to show the elegance
and power of acting talent. She was the first black woman to wear cornrows on a major television show. She also
was one of the greatest ambassadors of showing non-stereotypical images of our people. She is Cicely Tyson, and
she transitioned at the age of 96 years old. For almost one century, she has shown her light to entertain, to inspire,
and to educate us on the life experiences of humanity. From Sounder to Moses, her roles transcended acting. They
were extensions of her glorious black soul. From Roots to doing acting in 2020, Cicely Tyson perfected talent,
excellence, and an inquisitive spirit. People know of her from winning 4 Black Reel Awards, one Screen Actors
Guild Award, 1 Tony Award, a Peabody Award, and 1 honorary Academy Award. President Barack Obama
awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom award. She lived from December 19, 1924 to January 28, 2021.

Cicely Tyson was one of many black people who opened the doors for so many black actresses and black actors
who have shown their sense of human expression to the world. We certainly thank her because of her sacrifice and
courage. Thank you, Cicely Tyson for wit, talent, refuting colorism, and being you without apology. There are
always those people who are very groundbreaking in their walks. Cicely Tyson was one of many people who showed
a groundbreaking, illustrious mentality. She was once an elder, and now she is with the ancestors with crowns
upon crowns. Her passion for life was greatly monumental, and her memory will be permanently etched in our
consciousness. ‘Ase.

Rest in Power Sister Cicely Tyson.

 Black History Facts about Unsung Film Legends
Theresa Harris Frederick O’Neal
Hazel Scott Lorenzo Tucker
Oscar Devereaux Micheaux (the
person on the left) was an African
American author, film director, and
independent producer of more than
44 films. The short-lived Lincoln
Motion Picture Company was the
first movie company owned and
controlled by black filmmakers.
Paul Robeson Sheila Guyse
One of the biggest mysteries in the world are the old school, unsung black
actors and actresses who were on the screen from the silent era to the
1950's. Many of us don't know who many of them are. I knew some of
their names, but I understand many of them that I didn't know before.
Back in the day, these human beings suffered racism and discrimination.
Yet, their talent has been underrated. Matilda Sissieretta Joyner Jones
worked hard. There are people like Francis Everett, Helen Williams, Kay
Davis, Hazel Scott, Beah Richards, and Madeline Jackson who have been
on theater plays and movies during the first half of the 20th century. We
know of Marian Anderson. Although, many folks don't know about Aida
Overton Walker, Theresa Harris, Nina Mae McKinney, and Dorothy Van
Engle. Florence Mills, Joyce Bryant, Eartha Kitt, Ethel Moses, and Sheila
Guyse shown their talents strongly. Edna Mae Harris, Sybil Lewis, Evelyn
Preer, and Fredi Washington were courageous. Lucia Moses, Ida James,
Lucille Lewis, Roberta Hyson, Josephine Edwards, and Bree Freeman are
always remembered by numerous people. Iris Hall, Cleo Hendon, Gladys
Snyder, Gloria Press, Artie Young, and Cora Green were in old school
films constantly. Tommie Moore, Hazel Diaz, Lorenzo Tucker, Frederick
O’Neal, Duke Williams, Rex Ingram, Clarence Muse, and others have
excellent acting talent too. The black author named Donald Bogle
certainly has written literature in books that I have read before that gave
me an amazing insight in early films. From the movies of Cabin in the Sky
(1943), and Body and Soul (1925), these facts should be known. I want to
give great credit to Professor Jacqueline Stewart (of the TCM network) in
promoting respect for black cultural history involving film.
The scene above shows a scene from the film of Paris Blues in 1961.
Sidney Poitier and Diahann Carroll are both in the picture talking about
love, Paris, and politics involving American society.
 Diverse Musical Artists of the 1980’s.
During the 1980’s, tons of artists from across genres expressed their music to the world. Music is always a global,
universal language, and legends from across many backgrounds have outlined long lasting, classic sounds.
Gospel

CeCe Winans BeBe Winans LA Mass Choir Shirley Caesar

Rock and New Wave

Duran Duran Devo Def Leppard U2

Hip Hop

Rakim LL Cool J Run D.M.C. Public Enemy

Country Music

Brooks and Dunn The Judds Garth Brooks Johnny Cash

Jazz

Wynton Marsalis Herbie Hancock Kenny G. Grover Washington Jr.

 Celebrating Sister Karyn White
In 1991, her 2nd album was Ritual of Love. The songs were
produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. There was the hit
single called Romantic in the album too. In 1994, she
released Make Him Do Right. She started a family in 1999,
and she continued to make music in the 21st century. In
March 2012, Karyn White released the album of Carpe
Diem with songs like Sista, Sista and Unbreakable. She has
her own interior design and real estate business. She lives
in Rocklin, California. People to this day remember her
powerful voice, her charisma, and her compassionate spirit.
If you love 1980's music, you know about this artist. She is
Sister Karyn White, and she is now 55 years old, and she
was born in Los Angeles. For years, she was involved in
R&B, soul, and new jack swing. She sang in the church choir
and worked as a backing singer. Her first album was called
Karyn White in 1988. Her famous songs are The Way You
Love Me, Secret Rendezvous, and Superwoman. Love Saw
It with Babyface was a No. 1 R&B hit. Karyn White always
have a love affair with the art of musical expression. The
late 1980's and the 1990's had many underrated singers
too like Pebbles, Jody Watley, Phyllis Hyman, Sade, Janet
Jackson, Chaka Khan, Regina Belle, Angela Bofill, Irene
Cara, and Stephanie Mills.

Her single Back Together Again (which was a song

originally recorded by Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway).
By 2014, Morgan was honored with an Unsung Heroine
Award by The National R&B Music Society at Resorts
Casino in Atlantic City, NJ. Back Together Again was her
2005 song with Freddie Jackson. Promoting the excellent
sounds of music is always her specialty. Morgan was
featured on an episode of TV One's Unsung which aired in
2015. Her recent album of Love Demands was released on
July 13, 2018. Meli’sa Morgan is an icon of our time.
One of the great singers of the 1980's and the 1990's was
Sister Meli'sa Morgan. She is now 57 years old. Queens,
NYC is the place of her birth. Decades ago, she sang in a
gospel choir called the Starlets of Corona. Back in the day,
she was the lead singer of the dance group called Shades
of Love. She was a backing singer to Chaka Khan, Whitney
Houston, and Melba Moore. As a solo artist, she topped the
R&B chart with her cover version of Prince's song. She had
the single Do You Still Love Me. Later, she made her 5th
studio album called I Remember.
Happy Black History Month on this February of
2021.