Black Music: Get Started
About this Guide
This guide explores various genres of Black Music, along with resources that provide an overview of its history and philosophies. The coverage is not comprehensive (more genres to explore in future!), but hopefully the books, databases, recordings, and web resources available here will assist your research into this exciting topic. If you have suggestions for genres or resources to include on this guide, please email the Rita Benton Music Library.
History & Overview
Resources crossing genres and time periods that discuss or support research in black music
Jazz
Jazz recordings, videos, books, magazines, journals, and much more are available in the Music Library and online.
In Literature
Six novels for the class Black Music as Literature, Fall 2022
Rap and Hip-Hop
Links to books, magazines, recordings, and video resources on rap and hip-hop
Spirituals & Gospel
Links to scores, databases, recordings, and books about religious black music
Rhythm & Blues
Resources on rhythm and blues music, from the Mississippi Delta to Usher.
Reggae & Dub
Links to books, recordings, and databases for researching reggae, dub, and popular music of Jamaica