Mamie Smith, on record as the first Black female singer, released a record titled “Crazy Blues” in 1920, making her the first to record and release a Blues song. This kicked down a previously ...

As lead singer of The Supremes and later a celebrated solo artist, Ross snatched up 13 Grammy nominations, a Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award and six No. 1 hits, including “Love ...

They also built on the foundational structures of blues. Franklin’s vocal control, deep range and lyrical ability reshaped what it meant to be a Black female blues singer.

Cleo Sylvestre, who has died aged 79, was the first black woman to appear in a leading role at the National Theatre and from 1970 the first black actress to play a regular character in a major ...