Ethel Waters

June is Black Music Month. According to the website for the National Museum of  African American Music, Black Music Month was founded in 1979 by Kenny Gamble, Ed Wright, and Dyana Williams to celebrate the impact of black music. While there are countless female musical pioneers remembered today, there are many that aren't. Here are just twelve women in black music history you should know. Of course there are many more, but here are just a few.

Lianne La Havas, née Lianne Barnes, presents listeners with a soulful, sultry musical catalog that mimics tunes from decades past. The 24-year old London native accompanies a powerful voice with a funky aesthetic – natural tresses, thick winged eyeliner, collared shirts, hip prints, thigh bearing shorts, A-line skirts and chunky heels that challenge every industry imposed standard for women of color.