10 INFLUENTIAL black, queer ARTISTS WHO SHAPED MUSIC HISTORY

BY HOLLY VAN NESS (SHE/HER)

If you’ve ever taken a class on the history of American music, you’re likely aware that the foundation of all contemporary music was shaped by the black community in some capacity. Enslaved Africans brought with them a rich and diverse array of musical traditions that were entirely new to colonists and the roots of numerous music genres can be traced back to the contributions of talented black artists. 

Lack of representation shapes negative perceptions and instills systemic oppression, making the cycle extremely difficult to break. This Black History Month, we aim to honor influential black, queer artists and musicians from a time before most of us were even born. Countless more black, queer artists and musicians have shaped modern music, each deserving of their stories being told. We encourage ongoing exploration of these narratives, extending beyond February, and invite you to join us in celebrating the essence that shapes the rich diversity of music.

Here are 10 influential black artists within the LGBTQIA+ community who have played pivotal roles in shaping music as we know it today: 

Billy Strayhorn

Also known as “Duke Ellington’s Gay Composer,” Billy Strayhorn was the famous composer, arranger, and pianist behind some of the world’s most renowned jazz music. Jazz, known at the time for embracing sexual freedom and personal individuality, found a unique expression through Strayhorn’s work, where he often incorporated these elements into his compositions.

During the 1950s, Strayhorn separated from Ellington and embarked on a solo career. He was incredibly vocal about the Civil Rights Movement and was a firm ally of Martin Luther King Jr., even composing numerous pieces that homage to the activist. Strayhorn’s influence on big band jazz was transformative and his innovative approach continues to resonate in the work of contemporary jazz musicians today. 

Sylvester

The Queen of Disco, Sylvester James Jr., left an undeniable mark on queen nightclubs worldwide. He was a prominent member of The Disquotays–a group that included black transwomen and people who identified as cross-dressers during an era that was marked by strict "anti-masquerading" laws in Los Angeles. If found guilty, dressing as the opposite sex (or the beginnings of drag) could land someone arrested.

But Sylvester never let these laws deter him. He continued to push forward and became a trailblazer in shaping disco culture. His resilience continued to both the evolution of disco and fostering greater acceptance and visibility for LGBTQ+ artists. Sylvester’s influence echoes in the work of contemporary pop sensations like Lil Nas X, Big Freedia, and Mykki Blanco. 

Meshell Ndegeocello

One of the biggest driving forces behind the neo-soul movement of the 1990s was Meshell Ndegeocello, a singer and song-writer that was the mastermind behind hits from artists like Madonna, Chaka Khan, and The Rolling Stones. Behind her musical talent, Ndegeocello stands as a significant voice in the LGBTQ+ community and continues to passionately advocate for gay rights through her music. 

Throughout her life, Ndegeocello was met with barriers when it came to her personal identities of race, gender, and sexuality. In her own words to The Guardian, she stated that the act of making music provides a rare and precious moment where she feels liberated from the confines of race and gender. Ndegeocello continues to use music for its true purpose–as a transformative power that knows no boundaries. 

Willi Ninja

In the 80s, the Harlem Drag Ball scene provided African American and Latino youth with a rare space to express their gender identities–or lack thereof–during a time where such expressions faced societal resistance. Emerging from the scene was Willi Ninja, hailed as the “Grandfather of Vogue.”Ninja played a pivotal role in ensuring the longevity of voguing as well as campaigning for HIV/AIDS awareness. 

Beyond the ballroom, Ninja has been instrumental in bringing vogue to mainstream audiences and was even the inspiration for Madonna’s 1990 “Vogue” music video. Ninja’s legacy has contributed to more diversity and inclusion in the arts. 

Alvin Ailey

In 1958, choreographer Alvin Ailey laid the foundation for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT), showcasing a highly influential and very diverse dance ensemble. Renowned for their inclusivity and combined talent, the AAADT has reached global recognition through extensive world tours. The impact of the AAADT is immeasurable. The ensemble has performed for more than 20 million people worldwide and their work has reached countless others through television broadcasts and social media. 

The AAADT remains a powerful force in the world of dance for its commitment to celebrating minorities and the culture they carry that is usually overlooked. The purpose of the AAADT is to tell the stories of marginalized groups of people through the art of motion and they continue to do so today. 

Big Mama Thornton

Fun fact: the original producer of Elvis Presley’s iconic song “Hound Dog” was a black woman named Big Mama Thornton. Known for her distinctive style, Thornton wrote and produced music with an unseen openness about sexuality and a defiance of patriarchal expectations. 

Thornton’s music contributed to the evolution of musical expression. Beyond her lyrical boldness, Thornton made a silent statement by wearing masculine clothing during her live performances. Big Mama Thornton continues to stand as a symbol of resilience. Her influence extends beyond the confines of genre and gender, paving the way for future generations of queer artists to express themselves authentically and unapologetically. 

Frankie Knuckles

Due to his influence in the development of the genre, Frankie Knuckles is also known as “The Godfather of House Music.” He was a popular DJ at The Warehouse, a members-only nightclub for largely black gay men in Chicago. “To us who frequented the place it was just a Saturday night, but to some people it was an eye opening experience for them because of the diversity,” Frederick Dunson, executive director of the Frankie Knuckles Foundation, says. In 1997, Knuckles made history by winning a Grammy for Remixer of the Year. 

Since his passing, many cities and communities have celebrated August 25th as Frankie Knuckles Day as a way to honor his contributions to music and LGBTQ+ culture. These events often include tributes, parties, and discussions that highlight his lasting impact. 

Nona Hendryx

Renowned for her solo career and as a member of the music trio Labelle, Nona Hendryx has stood as a vocal advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community for many years. In a groundbreaking interview with The Advocate magazine in 2001, Hendryx openly discussed her identity and shared her experience with her longtime partner–who she’s been with for over 50 years.

Hendryx’s lyrics consistently delve into social and political issues, reflecting her commitment to empowerment and social justice throughout her extensive career. Her use of music as a platform for activism serves as an inspiration to today’s artists striving to create positive impacts and raise awareness through their own music. 

Billie Holiday

Throughout the entire duration of her life, Billie Holiday made huge contributions to jazz and contemporary music. Her timeless creations continue to resonate today. Holiday’s last recording, “Lady in Satin,” was recorded in 1958 and features the backing of a 40-piece orchestra–perfectly exemplifying everything the resilient singer endured in her life. It remains her last, and arguably one of her most acclaimed, works. 

Jackie Shane

Jackie Shane was a transgender soul singer who packed nightclubs in 1960s Toronto before she stepped out of the spotlight for decades, only to re-emerge with a Grammy-nominated record in her 70s.

Shane says that she identified as female from the age of 13 but throughout the ‘60s, she was referred to as a man. Speaking to The New York Times in 2017, she said she sometimes described herself to peers as gay. “I was just being me,” she said. “I never tried to explain myself to anyone—they never explained themselves to me.”

Jackie Shane was a transgender woman who openly embraced her identity at a time when societal attitudes toward gender identity and expression were less accepting. Her presence in the music industry challenged gender norms, paving the way for greater visibility and acceptance of transgender and gender-nonconforming artists.