A Glimpse At 5 Incredible African American Musicians Of The Past

History never forgets. These musicians were some of the most dominant of their times and pioneered genres like the blues and jazz.

At times we forget the long history that music has gone and how different genres formed over the years. It's all thanks to the contributions of incredible musicians like these who made a lasting impact in the music industry.

Maybe you've been looking to discover some new music lately while also being curious about the history of music. Here are five remarkable musicians of the past to know.

Bessie Smith

Bessie Smith is one of the foremost pioneers of the blues genre who reached th height of her stardom around the 1920s and '30s. She was nicknamed the "Empress of the Blues."

Marian Anderson

Marian Anderson had a unique voice that she expressed across various genres in from opera to spirituals. She is widely remembered as one of the best American contraltos.

Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, or just The Miracles, was an American rhythm and blues group. Some of their greatest hits include "You Really Got a Hold on Me" and "Baby Baby Don't Cry."

Howlin' Wolf

Dinah Washington

Revered as one of the "most popular black female recording artists of the '50s", American singer and pianist, Dinah Washington dabbled in a number of genres.