Black History Month: A Legacy of American Music

Music has the power to tell stories, preserve history, and bring people together. Black musicians and composers have played a vital role in shaping every genre, from classical to jazz, gospel to rock, and beyond. Their contributions have influenced generations of artists and transformed the way we experience music today.

At Heid Music, we believe that studying and celebrating Black music isn’t just about recognizing history—it’s about embracing a living legacy. Composers like Florence Price, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, William Grant Still, and Adolphus Hailstork paved the way for countless musicians by blending cultural traditions with innovative musical forms. Their works are rich with emotional depth, technical mastery, and a unique voice that deserves to be heard.

For students, performing the music of Black composers is an opportunity to expand their repertoire, understand diverse perspectives, and connect with music in new ways. Whether you're exploring spirituals, art songs, symphonic works, or jazz-influenced compositions, you’re engaging with a tradition that continues to inspire and evolve.

To learn more about the history and contributions of Black composers, we encourage you to explore and support the following organizations:

• African-American Art Song Alliance – Promotes and uplifts the contributions of African Americans to art song, including composers, performers, and scholars.
• African Diaspora Music Project – A vital repository of information about the concert works of composers of the African Diaspora.
• Black Opera Database – A comprehensive list of operas, musical theatre works, and oratorios by Black composers or works depicting the Black experience.
• African-American Composer Initiative – Showcases the works of historical and living African American composers through concerts, video archives, and new commissions.

As musicians, educators, and listeners, we can honor these contributions by studying, performing, and sharing Black music year-round—not just during Black History Month. By doing so, we ensure that these voices remain part of the larger musical conversation and continue to inspire future generations.

Looking for music by Black composers? Visit Heid Music for curated selections of sheet music, recordings, and resources to help you explore this essential repertoire.