Celebrating Black Music Month: Kansas City's music history

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — June is Black Music Month throughout the nation, which gives us a chance to highlight some of the Black musical greats right here in Kansas City.
Bob Dylan, Carole King, Keith Richards and more celebs react to the death of Brian Wilson
Kansas City is hailed as one of the top cities with deep roots connected to Jazz and Blues music with a rich history dating back to the early 1920s.
The early emergence of Kansas City Blues and Jazz took place inside local dance halls, cabarets and speakeasies throughout the city.
Some of these dance halls and clubs gave a platform to local greats such as saxophonist Charlie Parker and Bennie Moten's Orchestra.
LEGOLAND, SEA LIFE to offer free admission to dads on Father's Day
Today, jazz and the blues live on throughout Kansas City inside of clubs such as The Blue Room, and inside of historical time capsules such as the .
Beyond Jazz and Blues, Kansas City is also home to a number of Black musicians, including some of the following:
Janelle Monáe – Singer, Songwriter, Actress
Tech N9ne – Hip-Hop Artist
Fat Tone – Hip-Hop Artist
Bloodstone – Soul & Funk Group
Justus West – Guitarist, Producer
Titus Johnson – Musician, Songwriter, Producer
Blair Bryant – Bassist
There are many Black musicians who have called the Kansas City Metro home over the years, and many more new emerging artists to add to the history books.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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USA Today

5 hours ago

• USA Today

Lynn Hamilton, 'Sanford and Son\

Lynn Hamilton, an actress known for her roles on "Sanford and Son" and "The Waltons," has died. She was 95. Hamilton's death was confirmed in a statement on Facebook and Instagram from her former manager and publicist, Rev. Calvin Carson, who said that the actress died on June 19 "surrounded by her grandchildren, loved ones and caregivers." "With profound gratitude and admiration, we celebrate the extraordinary life of iconic actress Alzenia 'Lynn' Hamilton-Jenkins, whose remarkable legacy continues to uplift and inspire," Carson said. "Her illustrious career, spanning over five decades, has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment, motivating audiences across the globe through her work as a model, stage, film, and television actress." Hamilton starred as nurse Donna Harris, girlfriend of Fred Sanford (Redd Foxx), on the classic sitcom "Sanford and Son" beginning in 1972. The influential show, which aired on NBC, also starred Demond Wilson and LaWanda Page. Hamilton also portrayed Verdie on the CBS drama "The Waltons," beginning in 1973. She reprised the role in the television movies "A Walton Thanksgiving Reunion" and "A Walton Easter." 'Sanford and Son': Looking back at the 'double-edged' Black sitcom pioneer 50 years later The actress made her on-screen debut in the 1958 John Cassavetes film "Shadows," and throughout her career, she appeared on shows like "Dangerous Women," "Room 222," "Mannix," "Gunsmoke," "Hawaii Five-O," "Good Times," "Starsky and Hutch," "The Rockford Files" and "Roots: The Next Generation." She also starred on the NBC soap opera "Generations." On the film side, Hamilton had roles in movies like "Lady Sings the Blues," starring Diana Ross and Billy Dee Williams, and "Buck and the Preacher," starring Sidney Poitier. Hamilton continued to act into the 2000s with roles on "NYPD Blue," "The Practice" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm." Nathaniel Taylor, best known as Rollo on 'Sanford and Son,' dies at 80 Hamilton was married to writer Frank Jenkins until his death in 2014. They worked together on theater productions such as "Nobody" and "The Bert Williams Story," according to Carson, who said that their "partnership was a shining example of creativity, love, and dedication."

Buzz Feed

16 hours ago

• Buzz Feed

27 Torrid Items To Reinvent Your Style This Summer

A denim trucker jacket because every season deserves a tried and true staple that goes with literally everything. But, don't get it twisted. Every denim jacket isn't just a replica of another. This one features a trucker jacket silhouette and a distressed hem to set it apart from the others. Promising review: "I received this jacket in the mail yesterday and I like it. I feel like to could be styled with dresses, jeans and trousers depending on the look you are trying to achieve. IMO, the fit is true to size. Also, in my opinion, there is not a lot of stretch. I ordered a 2 and that's what i normally order in shirts, jackets and blazers. The sleeves hit right at the wrist. My favorite part of the jacket is the raw hem at the bottom. I will probably also purchase the darker denim. I would recommend." —Lovin All Things DenimPrice: $41.94 (originally $69.90; available in sizes M–6X and two colors) A sleeveless mini dress featuring pockets that reviewers can't stop raving about. They love the knit fabric and the smoothing effect the dress gives. They say it's great for every occasion because it can be dressed up or down. Bonus: It comes in many colors. Promising reviews: "Love the new colors! I can't help but buy these dresses! These dresses always fit and look good. Can't go wrong." —CJS8082"Comfortable Fit! Love how the flare lays around my belly area. I bought several more colors in this because I'm in love with these! Used this Black one with my Western Torrid Boots for a Mexican Festival 🥳 and got so many compliments 🥰🙌🏻❤️ All I had to do was accessorize it. The stretch and length were a blessing all night long 😍. Love Love Love This Style! Thank you, My Fabulous Torrid!!!!! ❤️🙌🏻" —LaPalomaDelValle95601Price: $20+ (originally $55.90; available in sizes M–6X and six colors) A corset tank with a knit fabric that holds you close for a somewhat bodycon effect. Did I mention the tie straps? 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It fits so well in both styles, the dress style and the sarong style. this will be my go-to this summer, I am so glad I bought it!" —theedarkcrystalPrice: $14.95 (originally $29.90; also available in two other colors) A button front overall set on upgrading your usual farmhouse chic attire. These overalls aren't rough like other denim; they're softer for added comfort. And, the haltered top adds a little sauciness that you don't get from traditional overalls. Promising reviews: "These are so dang cute and comfortable! I've never had a pair of overalls that weren't too short in the rise. These are terrific!" —QueenKarin"Total score. I love a good pair of bibs. The ties are awesome and the back is not like farmer bibs. I did get an 18 for more room. I get so many compliments every time I wear them. 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Price: $10.14 (originally $16.90; available in four colors) A crochet maxi cover-up made of a lightweight fabric that will gracefully drape over your body. It would be perfect to use as a cover-up for beach days, but it can also be worn over your bodycon dress or tank and jean combo for some added pizzazz. Promising review: "So freaking gorgeous! Even better in person. I wish it were a dress so I could wear it all the time, lol." —MandaMandaPrice: $20+ (originally $69.90; available sizes M–4X and two colors) A pair of high-rise relaxed denim trousers if you're ready to morph into a '90s R&B *it girl* at a time when baggy jeans and crop tops ruled the world. "Alexa, play 'I Wanna Be Down' by Brandy." Price: $79.90 (available in sizes 10–30 and three lengths) A pair of high-rise shorts in a gritty black because you're not going to turn down your all-black aesthetic simply because the sun decided to turn the heat up. Some reviewers suggest sizing up for a looser fit. Promising review: "These are comfy and fit perfectly. Love the coloring and the look. These will be my go-to shorts for all summer long." —Mandi2025Price: $33.54 (originally $55.90; available in sizes 10–16 and two colors) A casual skater dress when you're unsure what the day will hold and want to throw on something that won't be too dressy if the vibes are casual, but won't make you stand out if the vibes are more polished. We call this an anything dress. Promising review: "Can't wait for warm weather!!! These dresses are so cute and comfortable. It will be cute with little slip-on sneakers for a super casual dressed up a bit with sandals and some jewelry." —MELD68Price: $20+ (originally $55.90; available in sizes M–5X and five colors) A vibrant skort in a 'poppin yellow hue that'll have passerbys yelling, "MUSTAAAAAARD." And if you're wondering if this wonderful piece of athletic wear has a matching top: voila! Promising review: "I love this skort! 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Yahoo

19 hours ago

• Yahoo

I Stand On Their Shoulders: My Love Letter To Toronto's Black Jazz Musicians

On Saturday June 21st, I am co-producing a concert with Toronto Jazz Festival at Koerner Hall called 'On Their Shoulders'. Here's why I had to do it. Becoming a vocalist was a dream for me, but after attending and abruptly leaving a post-secondary institution that tried to teach me by constantly discouraging me from 'singing Black' (their words, not mine), I was dejected and demoralized. I had absolutely no idea where to turn for guidance. Until one day, when I stopped in at a jam session at a club called 'Dimples'. The musicians welcomed me on stage, where I performed Billie Holiday's 'God Bless The Child'. I don't remember my performance, but I vividly remember what happened next. When the band took a break, the singer, keyboardist and drummer all came over and crowded into my booth- boxing me in with no escape in sight: 'What's your name again? Where are you from? How long have you been singing? Whose kid are you?' The three musicians peppered me with questions and listened to each of my answers, and then, they began to critique my performance. Even though it never entered my mind to ask them for advice, it didn't really matter, because their comments on my performance started coming hard and fast: 'Don't forget to breathe. Learn what the lyrics mean! Take your time and don't forget to listen to the instruments.' I listened intently and nodded my head at each new directive, while waiting for the inevitable comment that I had been hearing over and over again from my teachers: 'Try not to sing so Black', but those words never came. Instead, they gave me words of encouragement that have stayed with me for 41 years. Left to Right: Ron Small, Shakura S'Aida, Jackie Richardson and Salome Bey Those musicians, Kingsley Éttienne, Betty Richardson and Archie Alleyne gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward. A year later, in 1985, I began working as an assistant stage manager on a play written by Salome Bey, produced by her husband, Howard Matthews, Joe Sealy and Archie Alleyne. The play, 'Madame Gertrude' starring Jackie Richardson and Ron Small and featuring Bill Sharpe on bass, Joe on piano and Archie on drums, became my new classroom and the foundation for the artist I am now. Often, I am struck by how few Black musicians I regularly see playing in clubs. It's been disappointing to see how segregated many Toronto bands are. Many of the top jazz, blues or soul bands lack colour and sometimes (in my eyes) lack soul - not because their musicians aren't amazing, but because how is it possible to not have an integrated band, when you are playing music that was created through a Black lens. So how important is race when we speak about music? Is it about race or culture; both or neither? I honestly don't know. I do know that often when I am asked to perform and I ask if the band is diverse in terms of race, gender, etc., very few bandleaders reply in the affirmative. A true irony is taking music created by Black songwriters and musicians during a time when African Americans were being oppressed and excluded and then trying to recreate that same music while excluding present-day Black musicians (intentionally or otherwise). Are you a music lover and/or a musician? Do you fancy yourself a keeper of history? Here are a few names for you to add to your database: Phyllis Marshall, Ada Lee, Cy Mclean, Eleanor Collins, Curtis Bailey, Ricky Day, Doug Salmon, Eric Mercury, Frank Wright, Wray Downes, Eugene Smith, Valeire Abbott Hunt, Jay Jackson, The Girls (Colina Phillips, Sharon Lee Williams, Shawn Jackson) and many more names that are listed on the Black Music Archives, the Canadian Music Encyclopedia and all over the interweb. A post shared via Instagram Black musicians have always been a part of the Toronto music scene - even when they faced segregation and exclusion from the Musicians' Union, many downtown clubs and by default, many of the popular bands of the time. Black musicians and vocalists being relegated to music rooms with lower union grading meant lower pay and fewer opportunities for advancement. It also meant that many underground and after-hours spots became the go-to gathering places for all musicians and music lovers in the city. Ironically, these venues became training grounds and showcase rooms for our musicians, many of whom then went on to play with top musicians like Cab Calloway, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Nina Simone and Louis Armstrong. That was a long time ago, right? Well, even in this day and age, Black jazz musicians are kept out of popular jazz/funk/soul bands. It's rare to get a call from those bands when they are looking for replacements. Shakura S'Aida on stage. It's tiring being the Black singer in front of a white band every time. Non-Black musicians should notice when we are not in the room, on the stage, or part of their community. Integrated spaces should be the norm. But here we are, in 2025 and still talking about integration. So what keeps me going? Officer for the Order of Canada and my favourite jazz drummer of all time, Archie Alleyne often said, 'without the past, there is no future'. Musical mentors like him taught me to work hard, stay focused and never let go of my community. Knowing that Salome Bey was an actor, a singer, a playwright, a record producer, a band leader, a music curator and an event producer means that even though I might get scared, frustrated, discouraged and want to give up while doing any or all of these same things, I never do. Instead I stand tall, confident and grounded, because the Original Queen Bey taught me that all that I do has already been done and done well. We all - Black, Indigenous, Asian Diasporic, South Asian, Latino, white, Queer, women, men, trans, non-binary - deserve to know the names and power of our musical ancestors. We deserve to know that we are capable of greatness, because Great Ones brought us here and they stand behind, beside and in front of us, witnessing all of our good work and greatness. We stand On Their Shoulders. Gratefully. On Their Shoulders is a once-in-a-lifetime concert celebrating the African Canadian artists who have made invaluable contributions to the Toronto music community. Backed by an all-star house band led by award-winning and JUNO-nominated musical director Eddie Bullen, featuring acclaimed artists like JUNO-nominated singer-songwriter Brooke Blackburn and GRAMMY Award-winning drum phenom, Larnell Lewis, this special evening of music celebrates the foundation of Toronto's jazz scene. Get tickets at