Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Beat.
A Tribute
When we think about strong black women trailblazing the music industry, what names come to mind? Patti, Aretha, Whitney, Mariah, Lauryn, Alicia, Beyoncé, Sade (in no particular order). But there’s a group of female artists who receive far less attention; song writers, backup vocalists, even less—, producers. What about the group of women who will never get recognized and written into album thank you’s, or end-scene movie credits?
Sarah K. DavisPublished 3 years ago in BeatHistory of Amazing Grace, part 1
On February 23, 1807, the British parliament passing a bill banning the nation’s slave trade. In these two articles, we’ll explore the lives of two men and one song that played a large role in that effort.
Bill PetroPublished 3 years ago in BeatThe Blank Book
It didn’t take Maya long to figure out that if she wanted a music notebook, she wasn’t going to find it on the rack with the other little black notebooks. She sighed and looked out into the falling snow thinking about where the closest music store might be. She didn’t remember seeing one except all the way downtown in Boston two subway rides away. Being that she couldn’t even be sure the music store had survived the pandemic she decided against trying to get there that night. Maya turned back to the rack of notebooks to see if any of the little black notebooks on the rack could be used in a pinch to write music. She grabbed a lined one and headed to the cashier. Halfway there she decided that perhaps a completely blank one would work better as she could draw in what she needed so she turned back to the rack where she saw a young man, maybe half her age, looking as if he was deciding what he wanted. Maya stopped for a moment to give him a chance to decide, watching as he indecisively looked over the books. In a quick movement he suddenly took a small black book, identical to those on the shelf, out of his pocket and returned it to the shelf then turned and quickly left. She was intrigued at his actions and went over to look at what he had placed on the shelf. Had he considered stealing it but thought better of that and brought it back? Was he returning it for money? Seemed unlikely as he had not gone to cashier. His actions seemed strange. Maya wanted to see what he had put back on the rack, so she found the book he placed on the shelf and opened it. It was music ruled, just what she needed which somehow that made his actions seem even stranger. Other than the blank music staves, there was nothing in the book that she could see. Although she found it odd that a music book had suddenly appeared, Maya was delighted! She grabbed it and headed to the cashier, then out into the snowy night and home.
Heather S DuffyPublished 3 years ago in BeatBlack Women in Music
My Name When meeting someone for the first time, I often introduce myself as, “Dionne, like Warwick, without the voice!” This greeting is usually met with a smile or a chuckle or a shared memory of one of Ms. Warwick’s greatest hits. A belted rendition of Do You Know the Way to San Jose or Walk on By often follows as we giggle with the awareness of shared interest. On many occasions, the other person and I will swap stories. This bonding moment offers me an opportunity to share how I was named for my Mother’s favorite singer Dionne Warwick and grew up listening and singing along to all her greatest tunes. By the end of the exchange, I usually know a little about them and they too learn a little about me. I walk away from the encounter delighted in knowing that “black girl magic” is alive, real, and exist!
Dionne BoissardPublished 3 years ago in BeatSylvia Rhone: Create the Luck
With over forty years of experience under her belt, Epic Records CEO Sylvia Rhone has experienced the gamut of knowledge, emotions, and lessons that come with being a leader in the music business.
Skyler SaundersPublished 3 years ago in BeatBoss Up & Change Your Life
'She's Looks Horrible...' 'What a disgusting slab of beef...' 'You're obese.....you've eaten too much food...' These words are enough to break a person...Imagine being in the spotlight and listening to them...every day....
Abhishek GadkariPublished 3 years ago in BeatThe Influence of Black Women on Animated Movie Soundtracks
I have a confession to make. When I first saw the prompt for this challenge, I was quite intimidated and certain that I would not even come close to doing it justice. As a result, I was very tempted to just let it pass by and take a stab at the next one. But the beauty of writing lies in the act of always pushing oneself out of one’s comfort zone. And so, I decided that I was going to do my part (however small) to honor some of the most beautiful voices that have defined the 20th and 21st century.
Ella goes to my head
When I was in high school, Jewel was asking "Who will save your soul" and Tracy Chapman was looking for you to "Give me one reason" so she could turn right back around. At the time, I didn't know that. Just like I didn't know Toni Braxton needed you to "Un-break my heart" or that Atlantis was out there being "Ironic". Why wasn't I aware of any of this?
Alice GarittPublished 3 years ago in BeatIn This Day...
Kayla twirled around in her mother’s shoes as she stood in the mirror playing dress-up. This was a typical day for Kayla. She loved to explore and loved to see what she could find just to put on a show for her family every night. “Brown skin girl, your skin just like pearls, the best thing in the world. I’ll never trade you for anybody else singing…” Kayla rummaged through her Mother’s belongings as she sang her own tune to “Brown Skin Girl.” by Beyonce. She picked up old dresses, dusty wigs and even posters. Her curious mind was fascinated by the things she found, so she dug deeper in hopes of pulling out something that would take her mind on a rollercoaster. “Whoa.” Said Kayla while holding up a rectangle shaped cardboard. There were pictures plastered on the front and on the back. Kayla found an opening and reached her little fingers right in and grabbed out a circular shaped object. She held it in the air to try to make sense of what it could be, but nothing clicked in her mind to understand. She carefully got up from the floor as she walked out the room with her mother’s shoes still sliding off her feet. She barged in the living room interrupting her Mother’s and Grandmother’s conversation.
Kiara ThomasPublished 3 years ago in BeatNina Cried Power.
I came across Nina Simone's music one lazy April evening two years ago, as if destined from above. A newly born Jeff Buckley fan, his cover (unbeknownst to me at the time) of Nina's 'Lilac Wine' was a song I quickly grew to love. After falling in love with Hozier's album, 'Wasteland Baby' that same month, in particular the opening track 'Nina Cried Power', I grew curious of who this 'Nina' was.
Ciarán ColemanPublished 3 years ago in BeatApocalypse cover Shannon King
Lyrics You leapt from crumbling bridges Watching cityscapes turn to dust Filming helicopters crashing in the ocean From way above
Shannon KingPublished 3 years ago in BeatExclusive Interview With Visual Artist Cristo Noir
My name is Cristo Noir, I am a visual artist, designer, entrepreneur, and founder of the brand 12 Noir. I’m currently focusing on creative direction and music production. I enjoy making videos and creating content for social media as well.
Honk MagazinePublished 3 years ago in Beat