The National Museum of African American History and Culture mourns the passing of Aretha Franklin, the "Queen of Soul." Her voice, one of the most captivating in generations, was unrivaled and changed the landscape of American music.

Kanye West’s music career has seen him play a variety of roles on stage and behind the scenes, including that of critically-acclaimed music producer. Much of his work is influenced by and features African American musicians who helped define musical genres. West’s creative approach to vocal sampling, in particular, has become a signature element to a Kanye track.

On October 17, 2017, the Museum held a special tour showcasing the stories of hip-hop to announce the Smithsonian Anthology of Hip-Hop and Rap, a landmark collection of music, stunning visuals, and powerful stories.

The history of African American music is the history of music in the United States. Journey with us as we explore American regions and the artists who helped shape our musical landscape.

One of the best-known musical groups of the 1970s was Parliament-Funkadelic who built this Mothership to use on stage during their concerts while singing about the, “Mothership Connection”.

Don Moser, a professional musician and artist from Louisiana, built this Voodoo Guitar from the debris left behind by Hurricane Katrina in 2005

Revered by fans and critics for his contributions to hip-hop and r&b, J Dilla's cult status remains strong and his music continues to be celebrated throughout the world.

Whitney Houston was honored as Female Artist of the Decade at the Soul Train Music Awards in 2000.

This acetate disc from the museum's collection is the master disc for Billie Holiday’s songs “My Man,” “Lover Come Back to Me,” “Stormy Weather,” and “Yesterdays.”

The style choices of black Americans have made them global trendsetters. Artists like, RUN-DMC, the Kangol Crew, and LL Cool J, gave the British-owned Kangol company and its iconic cap near overnight popularity among hip-hop communities.