Less African-American musical superstars now than ever before? (singers, bands, blues)

[Jay F]

Throughout the history of popular American music, even before the rock era, there have always been popular black musical artists who crossover and become superstars, household names that everyone knows and loves. But how about right now? Who could fit that desciption? Beyonce? I guess but she is past her peak. Chris Brown? The hits he's best known for aren't his musical ones. Maybe there are less music superstars in general due to fragmenting tastes and overall lower quality of music?

[mrjun18]

I think I read something somewhere that said 2013 is the first year since 1957 (?) that a black lead artist did not reach #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

[Thursday007]

Lenny Kravitz


"Are You Gonna Go My Way" - Lenny Kravitz - YouTube


John Legend


John Legend - Made To Love (Live on Letterman) - YouTube


Mary J. Blige


Mary J. Blige-Whenever I Say Your Name Feat. Sting (Live) (House Of Blues) - YouTube


Those are just off the top of my head and I'm sure I can think of more.

I think what you are seeing was the decline of the 'Motown' era which was responsible for many African American bands and singers.

[Jay F]

Kravitz and Mary J peaked in popularity over 10 years ago. No recent hits. I wouldn't consider John Legend a superstar.

[thriftylefty]

I think African American music producers are still keeping up.The proliferation of black music in the mainstream media over the last 30 years has made black music a product like "Blues" and even if Black artist are not performing it, much of what is topping the charts is in some way derivitive of black music.
Sound Selectors: The Top 10 Producers in Music | Billboard