By Andrea Stevens
AFRO Staff Writer
astevens@afro.com
There’s no question that Black artists have played a pivotal role in shaping every genre of music known and loved today. When asked the question “What is Black music?” many complexities and layers come to mind. For countless musicians, Black music is more than a genre or rhythm — it’s a language of identity and a connection to culture that lives through sound.
Two Baltimore artists, John Thomas and Robert Vandervall, have spent years not only performing music but living it. Both describe Black music as something deeper than melody or style — it’s a feeling that speaks across generations and expresses truth through sound.
John Thomas, a bassist, ordained pastor and longtime gospel musician, shared his interpretation of what Black music means to him.
“I would define Black music basically like part of your body, almost like a body part that you just pretty much can’t live without,” Thomas told the AFRO. “It’s culture, roots, soul, feeling, rhythm and very expressive.”
Thomas, who began playing seriously in 2006, found his voice through gospel music — a genre he describes as healing, intimate and spiritual. His connection to music became even more profound after the tragic loss of both his newborn daughter and son.
“The day after we buried her, I had to play in church,” Thomas said. “We did Hezekiah Walker’s ‘Grateful.’ Something came over me — it wasn’t grief, it was joy and comfort. The Father heard my heart.”
Thomas also spoke about the emotional range his instrument can bring to life, depending on the bass he chooses to play.
“Whatever bass I play, it puts out a different characteristic,” Thomas said. “I can play aggressively or I can play laid back and smooth, but it really depends on the feeling you get out of the instrument.”
Darryl Woodson, a music producer with more than 20 years of experience in various musical genres, described Black music as a powerful force of expression.
“Black music is the core of our world’s expression. Nothing identifies not just the celebration and struggle of black people but also captures the emotion of all people,” said Woodson. “From jazz to hip hop. From gospel to blues. From country to pop. Black music has always stood as the ultimate display of feelings into rhythm. Black music is not a genre, it’s a standard.”
Robert Vandervall, a percussionist and drummer, defines Black music as the emotional heartbeat of every genre.
“Black music is the heart and soul of any musical style,” Vandervall said. “It’s the way it makes you move, the emotions it displays. There’s no one way to define it, but you know it when you feel it.”
Vandervall began his musical journey with formal training and marching band in school, but found his artistic voice in gospel. That transition allowed him to move beyond structure into a space of emotional freedom.
“When I play, it’s a lot of feeling, sweat,” Vandervall said. “You can typically feel the emotion through the playing.”
Dr. Tenyo Pearl, creator of the “Hip Hop Day of Service” at Coppin State University, offered her perspective on the role of Black music, particularly hip hop.
“Hip hop is a clarion call — a call to action with a deep-rooted history in storytelling and social justice,” Dr. Pearl said. “The art of storytelling can be used as a powerful platform to inspire the next generation of leaders to raise their voices as change agents and advocates for positive change in their communities and beyond.”
Both Thomas and Vandervall credit Black music’s roots in gospel, blues and jazz for its ongoing relevance and emotional power.
“A lot of people don’t realize Black music gave birth to so many styles, from blues to soul, it’s all emotion written in rhythm.” Vandervall said. “Just having that feeling—it’s kind of like a true expression of a person’s Blackness. There’s some advantage to that natural feeling of presenting music from a Black perspective.”
When asked why the music still matters, Thomas offered a simple truth:
“Black music evolves, just like we do,” Thomas said. “But the soul — that never changes.”