One of the earliest stars of the recording era, a leading figure of the blues and the first African American superstar.
A key player in country music's "Big Bang," an innovative guitarist who changed the role of the instrument and the matriarch of country's first family.
One of the most distinctive and radiant voices in jazz history; an inimitable touchstone whose courageous, complex music and life still inspires today.
One of the 20th century’s greatest classical singers, a paradigm-shifting musician across genres and a model and mentor who broke racial barriers.
The First Lady of Song, a pioneer of vocal improvisation and jazz’s ubiquitous emissary.
A groundbreaking composer, bandleader and arranger who remained “perpetually contemporary” and mentored countless jazz greats.
The queen of salsa, a boundary-breaking singer in her native Cuba and a leading voice for its citizens in exile.
A gospel superstar whose electrifying guitar playing pointed the way toward rock and roll.
