Louis Armstrong was a trumpeter, singer, and bandleader who is considered one of the most influential figures in jazz history. He was known for his virtuosic playing, his distinctive gravelly voice, and his charismatic stage presence.

Robert Johnson was a blues singer and guitarist who is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of blues music. He was known for his haunting vocals, his innovative guitar playing, and his tragic life story.

Marian Anderson was an American contralto who was the first African American woman to sing with a major symphony orchestra. She made her debut with the New York Philharmonic in 1935 and went on to have a successful career as a concert and opera singer.

Duke Ellington was a pianist, composer, and bandleader who is considered one of the most important figures in jazz history. He was known for his sophisticated compositions, his innovative use of orchestration, and his long-running big band, which was one of the most popular jazz ensembles of all time.

Ray Charles was an American singer, pianist, and composer who was one of the most influential figures in the history of soul music. He was the first African American to win a Grammy Award for Album of the Year, which he won in 1960 for his album "Genius + Soul = Jazz".

Muddy Waters was an American blues singer and guitarist who is considered one of the most important figures in the history of blues music. He was known for his powerful vocals, his slide guitar playing, and his innovative use of the electric guitar.

Ella Fitzgerald was an American jazz singer who is considered one of the greatest singers of all time. She was the first African American woman to win a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album, which she won in 1958 for her album "Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Songbook".

Miles Davis was an American trumpeter, composer, and bandleader who is considered one of the most important figures in jazz history. He was known for his innovative playing, his distinctive sound, and his ability to lead a variety of different bands.

Ray Charles was an American singer, pianist, and composer who was one of the most influential figures in the history of soul music. He was the first African American to win a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance, which he won in 1959 for his song "What'd I Say".

Bessie Smith was an American blues singer who is considered one of the greatest blues singers of all time. She was known for her powerful vocals, her emotional delivery, and her wide range of material.

Koko Taylor was an American blues singer who is considered one of the greatest blues singers of all time. She was the first African American woman to win a Grammy Award for Best Blues Album, which she won in 1985 for her album "Queen of the Blues".

Dizzy Gillespie was an American trumpeter, composer, and bandleader who is considered one of the most important figures in jazz history. He was one of the pioneers of bebop, a new style of jazz that emerged in the 1940s.

Miles Davis was an American trumpeter, composer, and bandleader who is considered one of the most important figures in jazz history. He was the first African American to win a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Instrumental Album, which he won in 1960 for his album "Kind of Blue".

Elmore James was an American blues singer and guitarist who is considered one of the greatest slide guitarists of all time. He was known for his powerful vocals, his innovative guitar playing, and his use of the slide guitar.

Aretha Franklin was an American singer, pianist, and composer who is considered one of the greatest singers of all time. She was the first African American woman to win a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Album, which she won in 1972 for her album "Amazing Grace".