aretha franklin, queen of soul (1960s)

Aretha Franklin RIP​

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Robert Johnson, pioneering bluesman (1930s)

Robert Johnson 'sold his soul to the devil at a local crossroads of Mississippi highways ', according to one source.

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DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster of Hip Hop (1970s-)

DJ Kool Herc brought his sense of rhythm, penchant for soundsystems, and love for blockparties from Jamaica and implanted them into the USA. He threw legendary parties in the gang-riddled Bronx where he would DJ and, influenced by funk and dancehall music, develop a style that is credited as spawning Hip Hop music and culture.