The Funktasy team has come together to choose the most influential and musically gifted artists of the Golden Era. The Golden Era is the period between the 1920s and the late 1960s and early 70s. Even though the mainstream artists during the time were Caucasian, the majority of the artists on this list – if not all – are African Americans because they invented, defined and shaped not just their genres of music but most of the modern American forms of music. There are many top artists from this era and they each bring something unique and inspiring to the table. However, these are the crème de la crème among the top artists. Not in any order, the following are the Top 10 Golden Era Icons.
WGN Radio
Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong – charismatic trumpet virtuoso and vocal trailblazer – changed the music industry. Born into poverty in New Orleans, Armstrong’s early life was marked by his passion for music, which began with him playing a borrowed cornet in a home for troubled boys. His talent for the genre eventually led him performing with local jazz bands and joining the famed King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band. Armstrong went on to develop groundbreaking techniques on trumpet and his gravelly, expressive voice shook up the world of jazz. He was a master of improvisation, exemplified in classics like “What A Wonderful World” and “Stardust.” His discography showcased his ability to blend both technical skills and fill a piece with raw emotion.
Armstrong held a very charismatic stage presence as well, pioneering scat singing and setting new standards in both performance and vocal style. His influence extended far beyond the realm of jazz, inspiring musicians across genres and contributing to the development of modern music. Armstrong’s legacy is timeless, evident in his recordings and simply the impact he had on shaping the sounds of contemporary music.
Rolling Stone
B.B. King
B.B. King is remembered as the legendary “King of Blues,” leaving a lasting impact on the music industry with a career that spanned over six decades and influenced generations of musicians. King was known for his expressive guitar work and soulful voice. He transformed the blues genre with his distinctive playing style and emotive performances. His signature guitar, “Lucille,” became synonymous with his sound, characterized by its deep vibrato and lyrical solos.
Beyond his technical capabilities, King’s ability to convey profound emotion through his music resonated with audiences worldwide, bridging gaps between blues, rock, and jazz. His extensive discography, including seminal albums like Live at the Regal, and his collaborations with artists across genres cemented his legacy as a pioneer who shaped modern music. Countless musicians cite him as a major inspiration, ensuring his contributions to the blues will be celebrated forever.
British GQ
John Coltrane
John Coltrane was one of the greatest saxophone players in the instrument’s history. He changed the Jazz and Blues genres and influenced many following artists. Coltrane was born in 1926 and joined the U.S. Navy during the end of World War II. During his career, Coltrane collaborated with other great artists like Miles Davis and Charlie “YardBird” Parker, he also experimented with music signatures and improvisation. Many of Coltrane’s most expressive and inspirational tracks are recordings of live events. Even though Coltrane passed away in 1967 at the age of 40, he continued to win numerous awards posthumously, such as the Pulitzer Prize in 2007.
The Canadian Encyclopaedia
Portia White
Born in 1911, Portia White, a contralto, was one of Canada’s earliest artists to receive international acclaim. While growing up in Halifax, Nova Scotia, White began singing in her father’s church choir. From these humble beginnings, White would go on to perform in Europe, South America and the United States by the mid to late 1940s. At the height of her career, she was capable of singing classical music, African American spirituals and music in Italian, French, German and Spanish. Though White retired from singing in the early 1950s due to vocal stress and cancer, she sang for Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip during their 1964 visit to Prince Edward Island. After retirement, White began teaching music to students in Toronto before passing away in 1968. White won many awards posthumously, including the Dr. Helen Creighton Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2007 East Coast Music Awards.
Black Music Project
DeFord Bailey
DeFord Bailey, often hailed as the “Harmonica Wizard,” stands as a towering figure in the early days of country music. As one of the first Black artists to gain prominence in the genre, Bailey’s virtuosity on the harmonica set a new standard for the instrument. Coming from a family of music makers, Bailey started his career on the radio. His groundbreaking performances at the Grand Ole Opry and his 1927 recording of “Pan American Blues” were pivotal in showcasing the harmonica’s potential within country music.
Bailey’s impact extends beyond his remarkable technical skill; he played a crucial role in shaping the sound and acceptance of early country music, paving the way for future generations of musicians. His contributions remain influential, cementing his legacy as a trailblazer of the genre. Bailey was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005, solidifying his mark in the country music industry.
Teachrock
Mamie Smith
Mamie Smith was a revolutionary artist whose groundbreaking 1920 recording of “Crazy Blues” is credited with launching the blues recording industry. As one of the first Black women to record commercially, Smith’s powerful voice and emotional delivery captured the essence of the blues, resonating deeply with audiences of her time and laying the groundwork for future artists. Her success not only spotlighted the blues genre but also opened doors for African American musicians in a racially segregated industry. Smith’s impact is enduring, as she remains a pivotal figure in the history of blues and a symbol of the genre’s rich cultural heritage.
Radio France
Juanita Hall
Juanita Hall, a celebrated stage and screen actress, made significant contributions to the world of musical theater, particularly with her iconic portrayal of Bloody Mary in the 1949 Broadway production of “South Pacific.” Her performance not only earned her critical acclaim but also won her a Tony Award, marking her as one of the first Black women to achieve such recognition. Hall’s portrayal of Bloody Mary was groundbreaking, offering a nuanced and powerful depiction that resonated with audiences and highlighted the complexity of her character. Her influence extends beyond the stage, as her career helped pave the way for greater representation and diversity in American theater.
Beat
Lucille Bogan
Lucille Bogan was a blues singer from the 1920s and ’30s, known especially for her raw, unfiltered vocal style and bold, though often provocative lyrics. Her musical journey began in the vibrant Delta blues scene, where she worked on her craft by performing in local juke joints and house parties in Mississippi. Her early performances managed to catch the attention of record producers, which eventually led to the recording of her debut songs in the late 1920s. She is remembered for her powerful voice and unapologetic content. “Shave ‘Em Dry” broke taboos and set new standards for blues expression, addressing themes of sexuality and personal freedom with striking candor, which was more shocking for women at the time.
Despite the challenges she faced within the era, her fearless approach to songwriting and performance paved the way for future artists, especially the female, and her work continues to inspire musicians across genres even today. Bogan’s daring spirit led to the expansion of boundaries of the genre and gave a space for female artists to highlight their depth and versatility in a mainly male-dominated industry.
The New York Times
Robert Johnson
Robert Leroy Johnson was said to have sold his soul to the devil for his superior music skills. His guitar licks and lyrics are cited by many artists, such as Bob Dylan and Keith Richards. Despite only having released two albums, one in 1936 and a second in 1937, Johnson’s works became heavily influential. Johnson did not reach a wider audience or become famous until after his death, with a producer named Alan Lomax who added tracks like “Crossroad” from the original album to the King of the Delta Blues Singers album in 1961.
Johnson had already passed away in 1938 at the age of 27. However, his skills became recognized as some of the best and he became known as a master of the Blues variation, the Delta Blues, which grew in the Mississippi Delta area. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame even suggested that Johnson was one of the earliest rock stars. Now, he also landed on our list of Top 10 27 Club members.
Cleveland’s Karamu House
Gertrude ‘Ma’ Rainey
Gertrude ‘Ma’ Rainey, known as the “Mother of the Blues,” was a pioneering force in the early development of the blues genre. Her robust voice and dynamic performances brought a raw, authentic quality to her music that captured the spirit of African American life in the early 20th century. With hits like “Bo Weevil Blues” and “C.C. Rider,” Rainey’s powerful vocal delivery and innovative approach to storytelling through music established her as a key figure in blues history. Her contributions not only shaped the sound of blues but also paved the way for future artists, ensuring her legacy as a cornerstone of American music.
As Our Journey Through the Landscape of Golden Era Icons Ends…
We are excited about what the future holds. Whether a B.B. King or Robert Johnson fan, one cannot deny the standard these artists set for themselves and the artists that came after, the worldwide recognition they received and the influence on future stars these icons exhibit. Until we meet again, take a look at some of our other top 10s here.
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