Throughline

Pop Music's First Black Stars

Jun 27, 2024
Exploring the roots of Black musicians in American music, George Johnson, Ernest Hogan, and Mamie Smith made a lasting impact by pushing back against racist systems. From Blackface Minstrelsy to viral sensations, their work reshaped the music industry and laid the foundation for future musicians.
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INSIGHT

Origin of Blackface Minstrelsy

  • Blackface minstrelsy started in the 1830s as a form of entertainment where white performers caricatured Black people.
  • It became an original American popular commercial music form that influenced many genres and shaped public perceptions of Blackness.
ANECDOTE

Georgia Minstrels' Authentic Performances

  • After emancipation, the Georgia Minstrels, a Black minstrel troupe, performed authentic plantation scenes to great acclaim.
  • They toured widely and even performed in Britain, gaining popularity among white audiences who craved Blackface performances.
INSIGHT

Subverting Blackface Through Satire

  • Black performers like Bert Williams and George Walker used Blackface minstrelsy to subvert racist stereotypes.
  • Their satire critiqued Blackface tragedy while entertaining audiences, opening new expressive possibilities for Black artistry.
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