BLACK MUSIC HISTORY
(PART 1): OUT NOW

The special issue marks the first part of a project tracing the history of black music in America. We examine the historical and social contexts of a timeline that began alongside the atrocities of the slave trade and developed through centuries of struggle, injustice and staggering achievement, ultimately giving rise to the most influential genres of American music.

This is a musical saga encompassing the triumph of jazz, the evolution of the blues, the birth of soul and R&B, the cultural appropriation and social ferment of rock ‘n’ roll and more. It’s about “St. James Infirmary,” “Rocket 88,” “Mississippi Goddam” and “What’s Going On.” It’s also a tale of music-biz roots, from piano rolls and shellac 78s through the rise of Motown and beyond. In addition to telling this story through our lens, we’ll feature an incredible trove of classic images.

You can dive into the music explored in this packed issue by checking out our Spotify and Apple Music playlists.