Artists You Didn’t Know That Are From North Carolina
June is a pillar month for all Americans as it is an appreciation for the laid groundwork and contributions of African-American musicians in America’s 245-year history. Some of these legendary artists hail from the state of North Carolina.
When people first think of North Carolina, what’s most likely assumed is our extravagant mountain ranges, beautiful lighthouses, basketball, and of course our great southern food. However, artistically North Carolina is a hidden gem with people with amazing musical talents.
We all know J Cole, Anthony Hamilton, Nina Simone, and John Coltrane for their contributions in the music industry and representing the Tar Heel State. But, What about the artists you don’t know?
Here is a list of music artists you probably didn’t know that are from North Carolina:
1. George Clinton
Considered the Master of Funk Music, George Clinton was born in 1941 in Kannapolis, North Carolina. He led the bands' Parliament and Funkadelic and developed the psychedelic funk sound as it transformed funk music into a genre of its own. Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 and NC Music Hall of Fame in 2009.
2. Maceo Parker
Crowned as “The Funkiest Saxophonist”, Maceo Parker was born in 1943 in Kinston, North Carolina. He has was a trailblazing band member of James Brown’s band, as well as touring with the Artist, Prince on many occasions. He has made large contributions to the genres of funk and jazz music.
3. Jodeci
The legendary R&B band Jodeci emerged on the scenes in the early ’90s from Charlotte, North Carolina formerly a Gospel group. With their many hits, they’re considered the foundation of the bad boy image for R&B bands.
4. Shirley Caesar
The “First Lady of Gospel” hails from Durham, North Carolina born in 1938. Shirley Caesar is known for her vocal range as a multi-award-winning recording artist, as well as an author and pastor of Mt. Calvary Word of Faith Church in Raleigh, North Carolina.
5. Roberta Flack
Without question one of the greatest artists of all time, Roberta Flack was born in 1937 in Black Mountain, North Carolina. She is recognized for her ability to create a film through her music crossing over through many genres. Ms. Flack is the only solo artist to win the Grammy Award Record of the Year for two consecutive years, 1973 (The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face) and 1974 (Killing Me Softly With His Song). Roberta Flack was inducted into the NC Music Hall of Fame in 2009.
As we celebrate African American Music Appreciation Month, we honor these legends as they have paved the way for many artists across all genres and represented their home state, North Carolina, in the truest of forms as we breed legends.
To learn more about these artists you can visit their respective websites and biographies.
