"Five African American Rock Stars and Their B-Side Gems"
Rock’s true essence is often found in its hidden gems - those B-sides that didn’t get the mainstream spotlight but carried the soul of the artist’s creativity.
Today we’re shining a light on five legendary African American rock stars whose influence extended far beyond the charts. Each of them has a B-side that encapsulates their artistry and innovation, proving that sometimes the best tracks are the ones that didn’t make the main cut. These hidden gems helped define rock’s evolution, and each artist’s B-side is a reminder that rock is deeply rooted in African American culture.
We’ll take a look at these five artists and the significance of their B-sides—find out more in Monday’s feature. Enjoy today's playlist.
Lenny Kravitz – "Thin Ice"
Lenny Kravitz doesn’t just play rock—he lives it. With his distinct blend of soul, funk, and rock, Kravitz has crafted songs that feel timeless. But it’s his B-side "Thin Ice" from Mama Said that showcases his vulnerability, stripping away the layers of his usual rock star persona. This track dives deep into introspection, proving that even rock icons can reveal their softer side. As much as Kravitz is known for electrifying riffs, it’s his emotional depth on tracks like this that cement his legacy.
Why It Matters: "Thin Ice" is more than just a B-side—it’s an exploration of the human condition wrapped in rock. The track reminds us that Kravitz’s influence stretches beyond the charts into the soul of rock itself.
Prince – "17 Days"
When it comes to blending genres, no one did it quite like Prince. This funk-rock fusion artist redefined what it meant to be a rock star. "17 Days"—a B-side from When Doves Cry—embodies Prince’s ability to take emotions, mix them with infectious grooves, and create something that transcends musical boundaries. It’s a song that’s both sensual and introspective, capturing Prince’s spirit at his most experimental.
Why It Matters: "17 Days" shows Prince’s brilliance not just in his hits but in the tracks that flew under the radar. His B-sides are proof of his genius and his boundary-pushing musical vision.
Jimi Hendrix – "51st Anniversary"
Jimi Hendrix’s influence on rock is immeasurable, but it’s his lesser-known tracks like "51st Anniversary" that reveal the experimental side of his genius. A deep dive into psychedelic rock, this B-side showcases Hendrix’s ability to weave complex narratives into expansive soundscapes. With his groundbreaking guitar techniques and mind-bending effects, "51st Anniversary" is a reminder that Hendrix wasn’t just about riffs—he was a visionary.
Why It Matters: Hendrix’s B-sides often reveal a more experimental side of his artistry. Tracks like "51st Anniversary" push the boundaries of what rock could be, blending poetry, distortion, and improvisation into a new era for the genre.
Tina Turner – "Don’t Rush the Good Things"
Tina Turner is an icon, a rock queen who has left a permanent mark on the genre. "Don’t Rush the Good Things" is a soulful anthem that blends rock with raw emotion, showcasing Turner’s power as an African American woman in rock. It’s a track that doesn’t get the attention it deserves but stands as a perfect example of Turner’s vocal prowess and passion.
Why It Matters: Tina Turner’s ability to mix rock and soul shows the power of African American influence in rock. With this B-side, she reminds us that patience is an art, and every great thing in rock takes time to unfold.
Chuck Berry – "La Juanda (Espanol)"
As one of the pioneers of rock and roll, Chuck Berry’s influence can’t be overstated. His B-side "La Juanda (Espanol)" takes rock into uncharted territory, blending Latin rhythms with his signature sound. It’s a playful yet powerful track that reveals Berry’s versatility and willingness to experiment with different musical styles.
Why It Matters: This track shows how Chuck Berry didn’t just set the stage for rock and roll; he broke down barriers, experimenting with different musical influences and spreading rock’s reach across the globe.
These five African American rock legends—and their B-sides—highlight the profound impact of their music. Each one broke boundaries, introduced new sounds, and reshaped the course of rock history. As we dive deeper into the African influence on rock music on Monday, we’ll see how these artists and others carried the torch for a genre that continues to evolve. Stay tuned!
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