Battle of the Bands: Black History, Blues and Rock

Today is February and it is Black History month. I will celebrate by incorporating it into my theme. Imagine today's music without the  black contribution, imagine the music of the last century without the black contribution. The truth is we pay tribute to black musicians without even realizing it every month when we do these Battle of the Bands. Black culture and black musicians have created some outstanding music, creative musical genres, and have influence musicians of many races.

I will start with the Blues. I got into the Blues by travelling the musical influence of my Rock and Roll music. I was a huge Led Zeppelin fan (still am), Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton. The roots of this music was easy to find and follow.

I'm going to pick a song written by Willie Dixon and performed by Howlin' Wolf. I love Dixon's songs and could (and have) listened to Howlin' Wolf sing the blues for hours. Wolf died in 1976 so I didn't get to see him perform, but I did get a chance to see and meet his guitarist Hubert Sumlin which was a thrill.  The song is "Backdoor Man" was written in 1960 and recorded in 1961. This version by Howlin' Wolf.

My contenders are going to be from he Rock world to show an example of Blues and black musicians helped shape and influence it.

Contender One: The Doors

Contender Two: Quicksilver Messenger Service

In the end it turns into a fun rocking battle. Who gets your vote? Vote in the comments and we will have a winner soon! Please check out the other contestants links should be up here.

Olympic Gold: Shani Davis

I was searching for something to blog about today. I decided to search today's date February 18 in Black History since it is Black History Month. That's when I discovered Shani Davis a speed skater from Chicago.

On this date in 2006 he did something that no other Black athlete had ever done! Needless to say he was the first African American. As an American I am sure I was proud of his contribution to our medal count, the Speed Skater also won a Silver Medal in the 2006 Games.

Just 10 years ago Shani Davis made Black History. I hope he did could inspire others that they could make history in the future. Perhaps someone else could be the first in another event certainly someone will be next.

What Shani Davis did at the next Winter Olympics made history too! Yes he would Black Athlete to do his next feat. He became the first man of any race to successfully defend a Gold Medal in the 1000 meters race. He also earned another Silver in the 1500.

Shani Davis is a great American Olympian and perhaps his story might inspire you to go for the Gold!