Celebrating Black Music Month: Our Favorite Black Live Performers Of All Time
Source: Kevin Mazur / Getty
Black Music Month is coming to a close, but not until we celebrate the top Black live performers of all time. From Beyoncé, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston and more, check out a gallery of our favorites inside.
Black Music Month is a recognition of the profound impact Black artists have made across every genre and generation. From genre-defining vocals to mind-blowing stage presence, these performers haven't just influenced music, but they've shaped culture.
Some modern day favorites include Beyoncé, who literally continues to break records around the world. Others include the late, great Michael Jackson, who left a legacy as the King of Pop. He redefined what it meant to be a global superstar with his signature dance moves, timeless sounds and lasting impact.
These are just 15 of our personal favorite live performers. If you feel we missed someone, comment your favorites below. These legends didn't just perform—they transcended. Happy Black Music Month! Let's give flowers to some of the greatest to ever do it (in no particular order):
Celebrating Black Music Month: Our Favorite Black Live Performers Of All Time was originally published on globalgrind.com Source:YouTube
The undisputed queen of the stage, Beyoncé continues to set new standards. From Homecoming to the Renaissance tour, her performances are visual art, vocal excellence, and Black pride in motion. Source:YouTube
The King of Pop redefined what it meant to be a global superstar. From the moonwalk to 'Thriller,' MJ's impact is eternal, inspiring generations of performers. Source:YouTube
With one of the most powerful voices in history, Whitney could make the national anthem feel like a love song. Her ballads, beauty, and range made her a true icon. Source:YouTube
A boundary-breaking genius who owned the stage like a rock god, Prince's electrifying performances and androgynous style made him a revolutionary in music and identity. Source:YouTube
With cinematic visuals and chart-topping hits, The Weeknd's evolution from enigmatic mixtape artist to Super Bowl headliner proves he's one of the greats of his generation. Source:YouTube
Despite controversies, Breezy's talent is undeniable. His dancing, vocal range, and dedication to performance make him a modern-day showman. Source:YouTube
The blueprint. With smooth moves, classic R&B hits, and that Vegas residency, Usher has remained a fixture in music for over two decades. Source:YouTube
The Godfather of Soul laid the foundation. His funky footwork, powerful shouts, and relentless energy made him the original stage-killer. Source:YouTube
The Queen of Rock & Roll turned pain into power. Her raspy vocals and commanding performances made her one of the most respected artists ever. Source:YouTube
From whispery vocals to crisp choreography, Janet created a lane that's still being traveled today. Her Rhythm Nation era is still iconic. Source:YouTube
The visionary. Missy's visuals, production, and flows changed the game forever. And she still hasn't missed. Source:YouTube
The ultimate dance-floor commander, Ciara burst onto the scene with 'Goodies' and has kept us moving ever since. She's a pioneer in merging R&B with crunk and pop, and her influence can be felt in today's new wave of performer-dancers. Source:YouTube
A creative force and one of the most dynamic performers of her generation, Teyana Taylor is an artist's artist. Blending 90s R&B grit with cinematic flair, her live shows are a masterclass in choreography, emotion, and stage presence. Source:YouTube
The architect of psychedelic rock and one of the most iconic guitarists in history, Jimi Hendrix didn't just perform—he unleashed sonic revolutions. With his electric energy, improvisational genius, and groundbreaking use of distortion and feedback, Hendrix captivated audiences from Woodstock to Monterey. Source:YouTube
The prophet of reggae, delivered revolutionary messages with a calm fire, moving the world to unity and resistance.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNN
an hour ago
- CNN
Live updates: Jury set to begin deliberations in the Sean ‘Diddy' Combs trial
Update: Date: 5 min ago Title: Catch up on the charges and evidence presented to the jury in the Sean "Diddy" Combs trial Content: It's been more than six weeks since testimony began in the federal criminal trial of Sean 'Diddy' Combs. As the case heads to the jury today, CNN's Laura Coates recaps the five counts faced by the music mogul — and the key evidence jurors will consider: CNN's Laura Coates goes over the five counts hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs is charged with, the key evidence and testimony presented to jurors, and how the defense disputes the allegations. #cnn #diddy #seancombstrial Update: Date: 5 min ago Title: How media coverage of major trials has evolved in the post-OJ Simpson era Content: Salacious details, discussion of domestic violence and a Black male celebrity who for decades had a strong base of supporters: While the alleged crimes are not the same, some of the cultural issues involved could describe both the trial of Sean 'Diddy' Combs in 2025 and that of OJ Simpson in 1995. Simpson's case sparked an era of 'trialtainment,' with an abundance of viewers and readers following an exhaustive round-the-clock news cycle, absorbing every detail of the bombshell murder case. Thirty years later, as the world awaits a verdict in Combs' federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial, interest in celebrity court cases remains high, but public discourse around race and intimate partner violence has changed. 'I think a lot of women have evolved in terms of taking a stance that we can speak up. We are now just being comfortable with speaking up, and this is as a result of the #MeToo movement,' legal analyst and entertainment law expert Lisa Bonner, who is not connected to either case, told CNN. Simpson, who died in April 2024 at the age of 76 following a battle with cancer, was accused of fatally stabbing his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman. The star football player and actor was acquitted in 1995. Combs is facing allegations of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and transportation to engage in prostitution. The mogul and music artist has pleaded not guilty. Read more here about how the coverage of the two cases reflects an evolution in 'trialtainment.'
Cosmopolitan
an hour ago
- Cosmopolitan
Beyoncé Statement on Cowboy Carter Flying Car Malfunction
Beyoncé experienced a truly frightening moment during her Cowboy Carter Tour on Saturday night in Houston, when her flying car malfunctioned and she was left suspended in the air after nearly falling out. Bey ended up having to pause the show, saying "stop" repeatedly into her microphone in order the cut the music. The crew then spent several minutes trying to safely lower the vehicle and get Bey out. She later joked, "If I ever fall, I know y'all would catch me" and kept performing. It's unclear what went wrong with the car, but Beyoncé's team released a statement amid concern from fans, saying in an Instagram Story "Tonight in Houston, at NRG Stadium, a technical mishap caused the flying car, a prop Beyonce uses to circle the stadium, and see her fans up close, to tilt. She was quickly lowered and no one was injured. The show continued without incident." Meanwhile, Beyoncé hasn't spoke out further about the moment—but she did include a pic her her photo roundup of the show on Instagram. Oh, and she also went ahead and dropped this!
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Beyoncé Speaks Out After 'Terrifying' Tour Malfunction Sparks Concern Among Fans
Beyoncé has spoken out after an incident at her homecoming show in Texas over the weekend which left fans worried for her safety. Those who've been following Bey's Cowboy Carter tour for the last couple of months will know that it ends with a rendition of 16 Carriages, during which the record-breaking Grammy winner flies over the audience in a convertible car. However, clips from Saturday night's show quickly began doing the rounds on social media, after the Crazy In Love singer suffered a prop malfunction at the end of her performance in Houston, Texas. Footage shared online from the show saw Bey bringing the performance to an abrupt halt after the car began to tilt, after she was lowered to the ground and finished the song. Beyoncé was safely lowered after her flying car unexpectedly tilted mid-air at the Cowboy Carter tour in Houston while performing '16 CARRIAGES.' — Pop Base (@PopBase) June 29, 2025 She later told her fans: 'If I ever fall I know y'all would catch me.' Omg! This angle is insane! — ✨🧚🏾♀️B.K. ✨ (@BoycottKey) June 29, 2025 Yikes — 007.. 🥷🏾 (@SOLID_byNature) June 29, 2025 THIS IS TERRIFYING OMFG??? NO MORE CAR RIDE I'M SORRY — 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘆🫧💚 (@beyoncegarden) June 29, 2025 this is genuinely terrifying who the fuck let this can hear in her voice how scared and shaken she was oh my god — ☆ (@444starlvr) June 29, 2025 Watching Beyonce stuck in that leaning car: 😭😭😭😭 # — ✍🏾🗣 (@writtenbytruth) June 29, 2025 her shaky voice i'm crying — autumn 𐚁 (@leviisbey) June 29, 2025 and y'all just recording on your phones instead of forming a human ladder to get her down safely… society smh — thought daughter 🦋 (@LESLEYSANRIO) June 29, 2025 ★ - During the closing act, the car where Beyoncé performs her final number unexpectedly tilted, leaving her almost sideways and forcing the show to pause. Thankfully, everything turned out fine we hope Beyoncé takes proper precautions moving forward. — COWBOY CRIIS 𐚁☆▷ (@sweteener_) June 29, 2025 PUT THAT DAMN CAR IN THE BODYGUARD JUNKYARD IMMEDIATELY!!!!! — SEEN BY BEYONCÉ! (@aliensgroove) June 29, 2025 Beyoncé please no more cars you scared me so bad 😔 — Fan Account (@Yonceforever4) June 29, 2025 A statement posted on Beyoncé's production company Parwood Entertainment's Instagram official page shortly afterwards read: 'Tonight in Houston, at NRG Stadium, a technical mishap caused the flying car, a prop Beyoncé uses to circle the stadium, and see her fans up close, to tilt. 'She was quickly lowered and no one was injured. The show continued without incident.' Beyoncé then made light of the incident in a post on her personal Instagram, sharing footage from her Houston shows alongside the caption: 'Sittin' sidewayz.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce) The following night, Beyoncé skipped 16 Carriages from the setlist, instead performing closing number Amen on stage. Beyoncé now has just a handful of stops across the United States left on her Cowboy Carter tour, in support of her country-inspired eighth studio album, which was named Album Of The Year at the Grammys back in February. Much has been made in the press of the fact that the Cowboy Carter tour has not been sold out, although it has received near-unanimous praise from critics throughout its run. Beyoncé Surprises Fans With Epic Miley Cyrus Duet During Paris Concert Kacey Musgraves Blasts Claims She Was Upset About Beyoncé's Best Country Album Win Beyoncé's Stunned Reaction To Winning Best Country Album At The Grammys Was Just Epic
