In a vibrant tribute to Black History Month, we spotlight three trailblazing Black women musicians hailing from or deeply connected to St. Louis, whose innovations have reverberated across genres and generations.
From the raw energy of rock ‘n’ roll to the soulful depths of jazz and the infectious beats of hip-hop, these artists have not only defined St. Louis’ musical identity but also transformed the global landscape of music.
With a similar compilation by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on February 19, 2026, the list shows how the city’s rich cultural tapestry fostered talents that challenged norms and inspired millions.
Tina Turner
Leading the list is the legendary Tina Turner, the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, whose electrifying performances and powerhouse vocals captivated audiences worldwide. Though born in Nutbush, Tennessee, Turner’s career ignited in St. Louis, where she met Ike Turner and joined his Kings of Rhythm band in the late 1950s.
Her breakout hits like “Proud Mary” and “What’s Love Got to Do with It” earned her 12 Grammy Awards and a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Turner’s resilience, chronicled in her autobiography and the Broadway musical “Tina,” continues to inspire, even after her passing in 2023.
Josephine Baker
The list also honors Josephine Baker, the St. Louis-born entertainer (1906-1975) who became a global sensation in Paris during the Jazz Age.
Known for her daring performances and civil rights activism, Baker’s hits like “J’ai Deux Amours” and her work as a French Resistance spy during World War II made her a symbol of empowerment. She was the first Black woman inducted into France’s Panthéon in 2021.
Angela Winbush
R&B powerhouse Angela Winbush, a St. Louis native born in 1955, has left an indelible mark as a singer, songwriter, and producer.
Her solo albums, including “Sharp” (1987) with the hit “Angel,” showcased her vocal prowess, while her production work for artists like Janet Jackson and The Isley Brothers solidified her behind-the-scenes influence in the industry.
These women, alongside the city’s male musical giants, illustrate St. Louis’ role as a vital hub for Black artistic innovation. The men include:
Nelly
Next is Nelly, the Grammy-winning rapper whose 2000 debut album “Country Grammar” put St. Louis on the hip-hop map. Born Cornell Haynes Jr. in 1974, Nelly’s blend of Midwestern flair and catchy hooks propelled tracks like “Hot in Herre” and “Dilemma” to chart-topping success, selling over 50 million records worldwide. His entrepreneurial ventures, including the Apple Bottoms clothing line and philanthropy through events like his annual Black and White Ball, highlight his enduring impact on urban culture.
Mile Davis
Jazz icon Miles Davis, born in nearby Alton, Illinois, in 1926 and raised in East St. Louis, revolutionized the genre with his innovative trumpet work and boundary-pushing albums. Dying in 1991, Davis’ masterpiece “Kind of Blue” (1959), featuring the track “So What,” remains the best-selling jazz album of all time. His evolution through bebop, cool jazz, and fusion influenced countless musicians, earning him the moniker “Prince of Darkness” for his enigmatic style and profound artistic vision.
Chuck Berry
Rock pioneer Chuck Berry, born in St. Louis in 1926 and passing in 2017, is often hailed as the “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” His guitar riffs and storytelling lyrics in songs like “Johnny B. Goode” and “Maybellene” bridged rhythm and blues with rock, inspiring legends like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Berry’s energetic stage presence, including his signature duck walk, embodied the spirit of youthful rebellion and earned him a Lifetime Achievement Grammy.
Ike Turner
Rounding out the seven is Ike Turner, whose pioneering role in rock and soul music began in St. Louis. Born in Clarksdale, Mississippi, in 1931 and dying in 2007, Turner formed the Kings of Rhythm in the city, recording what many consider the first rock ‘n’ roll song, “Rocket 88” (1951). Despite controversies, his guitar innovations and band leadership were instrumental in launching Tina Turner’s career and shaping early R&B.
These artists’ stories reflect St. Louis’ role as a crucible for musical innovation, blending African American heritage with diverse influences amid the city’s historical challenges and triumphs. Their legacies continue to inspire local and international talents, proof that St. Louis’ sound is timeless and transformative.
