Jimi Hendrix‘s latest posthumous album, People Hell and Angels, was released this week, much to the delight of fans of the iconic guitarist. Hendrix’s legacy is well-established, but there have been numerous black rock artists over the last five decades who have helped influence the genre. While everyone should know at this point that rock & roll came from the souls of black folks, it should be recognized that, even after the genre’s birth and initial boom, there have been black voices helping to push it forward.
For too many music fans, the history of blacks in rock music is only limited to Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix and Prince. While those artists are legends, let’s not overlook the others who have shaped rock & roll, classic rock, punk, funk-rock, alternative and heavy metal.
So, in recognition of Jimi Hendrix’s latest release, here are the 15 greatest black rock artists of all time.
