We have many talented artists in Michigan and they all bring their own unique sound to the community, so this month we wanted to hear a little more about what black artists/musicians have influenced them. Some of our respondents chose to reflect on who they listened to growing up and others wanted to highlight some of the fellow musicians they see making an impact in Michigan!
Let’s take a look at the sixth (and final) round of responses:
What black artists/musicians influenced your own developmental interest in music?
Oh so many but the most influential Artists are Big Mama Thornton, KiKi Taylor, Aretha Franklin, Betty Davis, Chaka Khan, Tina Turner, Donny Hathaway, Curtis Mayfield, Jimi Hendrix, and many more!!!
What current black musicians/artists are inspiring you?
Gonna have to go with the old school Artists like Mary J Blige, Chaka Khan, Leela James, and Jill Scott.
What are you/your band up to these days?
Staying safe, writing, creating, working, and cooking
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What black artists/musicians influenced your own developmental interest in music?
Chuck Berry, Billy Cobbham, Miles Davis, Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Bo Diddley, Jimi Hendrix
What current black musicians/artists are inspiring you?
Brittany Howard, Mavis Staples, Eijiah Russ, Childish Gambino, Thundercat
What are you/your band up to these days?
Released our 5th album "The Onion Tree" last year in December and soon to be starting a EP with our new recording space "Upstairs, Man Studios"
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What black artists/musicians influenced your own developmental interest in music?
Brittany Howard, Sister Rosetta Tharp, Etta James, Outkast
What current black musicians/artists are inspiring you?
Brittany Howard
What are you/your band up to these days?
Anxiously awaiting the day live shows can start back up.
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What black artists/musicians influenced your own developmental interest in music?
Dorothy Ashby, Miles Davis, Lianne La Havas, Chaka Khan
What current black musicians/artists are inspiring you?
Meg the Stallion & Zendaya! Two strong black women who are unapologetically making the art that they want to make, kicking all types of ass & empowering women all over the world through their art. It is my dream to work with both of them in some artistic capacity
What are you/your band up to these days?
Lots of new music coming later this year, check out my youtube channel & instagram for new posts + updates
Thank you to all of the artists who contributed to this series! WYCE is anxously awaiting the time when we can all celebrate Michigan music as a community again.
Stay tuned at 88.1fm WYCE for more!
