During this year’s Black History Month, Guinness World Records is taking a moment to recognize Black musicians from the past 100 years who have not only had a prominent influence in the realm of music but who managed to succeed despite immense prejudices and adversity.
Legacies such as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Beyoncé are only a few who have laid the foundation for Black artists to amplify their voice and break records of their own in today’s industry.
Often referred to as “The Genius” Ray Charles holds the Guinness World Records title for Longest career on the US R&B charts.
1949 – Ray Charles, Longest career on the US R&B charts
The “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin holds the Guinness World Records record title for The First female artist inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning Beyoncé is the Guinness World Records title holder for First act to debut at No.1 with their first six studio albums (USA).
Music is often regarded as a universal language, bringing together people across space and time.
Although today we dance and sing to some of the world’s greatest sensations, there was once a period in history where musicians of color were fighting for equality in society, all while producing record-breaking hits.
The following legacies have laid the foundation for Black artists to amplify their voice and break records of their own.
