1. The Miseducation of Music Music that means the most, by the artists that helped shape it. Based on what is on my mp3 right now Throwback Thursdays Presents:

4. Mahalia Jackson Queen of Gospel There is perhaps no other Gospel artist as influential to music as Mahalia Jackson. Her recording records, have yet to be broken. This singer sang at the funeral of Martin Luther King Jr. among other leaders. Her legacy is as eternal as the notes she would hold.

5. Clara Ward and the Famous Clara Ward Singers This Philadelphia-born singer started the group as a gifted singer, songwriter. Her songs are perhaps the most redone of all gospel songs today. Hits include: Surely he’s able , How I got over , ect.

6. The Caravans Indeed there were two queens of gospel. Right after the death of Mahalia Jackson, Albetina Walker took the reigns and formed The Caravans, a gospel group like no other. The group had members who were legends in their own right including James Cleveland, Shirley Caesar, Dorothy Norwood, and Inez Andrews. Today, this group is praised and credited for paving the way for contemporary acts.

7. James Cleveland The King of Gospel Anybody that heard just one note from James Cleveland will agree that the reasons why they call him, one of the greatest singers that ever lived. Cleveland was a pianist that was sought after by both gospel and secular artists. He grew up in Chicago where Thomas Dorsey was the minster of music. He is known for bringing a contemporary sound to gospel.

8. Dr. Mattie Moss Clark Minister of Four-Part Harmonies Dr. Mattie Moss Clark was the master of harmony. She had the ability to turn a mass of people into a choir. Aside from being the international choir director for the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), she was also the mother of the Clark Sisters, a gospel group that is admired by Beyonce, and Ciara, just to name a few.

9. The Blind Boys of Alabama This group defined the odds. When blind blacks were looked at as nothing more than helpless individuals, this group formed, and broke records – not to mention, having quite the soulful sound.

11. Jazz & Blues

12. Ella Fitzgerald Queen of Jazz What more can be said about Ella Fitzgerald that hasn’t already been said. Queen of Jazz of definitely fitting – queen of music would be too. Ella Fitzgerald’s voice is its own institution – as rich and timeless as the pyramids. Scatting, bebop, all of these things were made famous by her.

13. Louis Armstrong While Louis Armstrong was an accomplished trumpet player, much can be said about his voice too. Often accompanying some of Jazz’s greatest voices, “Sachmo” was known for his tubular voice that often hit the same notes that he would blow in his trumpet.

14. Billie Holiday Lady Sings the Blues People can say whatever they want about Billie Holiday, but nobody sang the blues better. Her life was made into a movie, her voice has been sampled and her image was immortalized, but it was music that still rings in the ears of everyone today. Southern trees bare strange fruit, blood at the leaves, and blood at the root – Billie Holiday, Strange Fruit

15. Big Mama Thornton Forget what you heard. The orginal “Hound Dog,” was done by Big Mama Thornton, and she was never credited for it. This blues singer’s voice was as big as her frame, but she didn’t mind. One of her most popular songs is: “They Call me Big Mama.”

16. Nat King Cole Nat King Cole, should’ve been named, Nat King Cool. His voice was as smooth as it was alluring and endearing. Hit after hit, was processed off of this very profitable voice. Not to mention, Ray Charles, got his start singing Nat King Cole. Still, many singers borrow from the techniques of this vocal visionary.

17. Nina Simone Nina Simone was not the one to stand by and let things go unnoticed. One of her most controversial songs, “Mississippi Goddamn,” became a sleeper hit. The beauty of Simone’s voice was the imperfection in the melodies – and she never apologized for it either. Her gritty street singing style paved the way for many contemporaries including Mary J. Blige. “ I put a spell on you, and now you’re mine” - Nina Simone

19. Soul, Rhythm & Blues

20. Ray Charles Ray Charles was a man with few words – he saved them for the mic and piano which, as the greats used to say, “he beat that piano out” Like Holiday, Charles was immortalized in a movie “Ray”

21. Aretha Franklin The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin’s voice is considered a national treasure, but this girl got her start singing right in the church, were her father was one of the most famous preachers of his time. Her notable hits include, “Think” “Dr. Feelgood” and Chain of Fools”

22. Donny Hathaway “ Take it from me, someday we’ll all be free” – and when he sang it, we believed him. I still haven't found someone with a voice that can comfort console and chastise me in the right way. Hathaway took his life in exchange for years of depression, but the painful lyrics, and hopeful cynicism made him a master of voice and inspiration. Soul Singing at it’s best – James R. Sanders

23. Phyllis Hyman Unsung Hero Phyllis Hyman’s voice is as powerful and painful as her life ended up, when she took it years ago. This Philadelphia-bred diva made a name for herself with real singing… from the body and soul. Every note could be felt deep down in the delta of the soul.

25. Patti Labelle The chick with the crazy voice No list about singers should ever be without Patti Labelle – to exclude someone with a voice like hers, is to insult the God that blessed her vocal chords. Another Philadelphia soul legend, Patti or Ms. Patti came onto the scene as part of the legendary Blue Belles lead singer. Her solo career has been just as blessed…her voice is crazy! Creole Lady Marmalade!

26. Stevie Wonder 9 th Wonder of the World Stevie Wonder’s voice is like silk – black silk that is. And he’ll be the first to tell you. This singer has created some of the most memorable songs that still impact people today.

28. Rock ‘n’ Roll

29. Little Richard The Father of Rock and Roll Of all the greatest shames in music – one of the most important is that Little Richard was never credited for starting Rock and Roll, which he did! His voice, infused with the punkish-alternative sound helped bring out the unconventional.

30. Jimi Hendrix Jimi Hendrix had a voice that coupled with his intense guitar playing, that made him a rock god – especially in the 60’s. Now, singers and musicians alike, count Hendrix a major influence.

31. Hip Hop

32. Slick Rick Slick Rick was one of the originators of Hip Hop. What is most notably about this New York MC was his smooth voice, almost singing on some tracks, while delivering hip hop sermons on others.

33. MC Lyte Lyte as a Rock MC Lyte brought females into the Hip Hop spectrum. Her gritty lyrics and delivery made her a hip hop force to be reckoned with. Without her, there would be no Lil’ Kim, Eve, or Foxy Brown.

34. LL Cool J LL Cool J was the first Def Jam recording artist – and he’s still on the label. Aside from having a hand in shaping Hip Hop, his music is catchy as all get out. This rapper, James Smith – given name, does more than inspire.

36. Now… The Inheritance

37. Gospel The New heroes of black music Kim Burrell Donnie McClurkin Karen Clark Sheard

38. Jazz & Blues The New heroes of black music Lalah Hathaway Natalie Cole Daughters of Greatness

39. Soul and R& B Mary J. Blige Musiq Soulchild Leela James The New heroes of black music

40. Rock ‘n’ Roll The New heroes of black music Lenny Kravitz Imani Uzuri

41. Hip Hop The New heroes of black music Kanye West Common Mos Def