10 Black Music Legends Who Are Also Fashion Icons
Black Americans have always had a certain swag — this is nothing new. For Americans, black people have led the way in many spaces, from music and sports to fashion. You can’t look back at all the style icons over the years and not take note of some of the black pioneers in the world of fashion. Especially when it comes to the music industry, black culture has heavily influenced style and fashion, and continues to do so to this day. Keep reading for a few
Prince
The Purple rain star is known for a lot more than his crooning vocals! Everyone knows that Prince epitomized sex appeal, androgyny and glam, giving us completely iconic looks spanning his 40-year career. His style was completely his own and his confidence unmatched.
Josephine Baker
The original “agent provocateur”, Miss Baker was known for her elegant, elaborate and very sexy style, the St. Louis-born became a worldwide star, style icon and one of Paris’ most beloved citizens. Her banana skirt and slick, cropped hair, is still one of the fashion world’s most iconic looks, and to this day many songstresses still emulate her elegant, sex appeal.
Sammy Davis Jr.
A real classic man, Sammy Davis Jr. epitomized debonair style. As one of the most gifted black entertainers of our time and member of the famous “rat pack”, Davis catapulted to stardom in the 1960s, his style was emblematic of the fashion of the day: slim fit suits, classic-cut dress shirts and overall aura of “cool”. As a result of this, he was known “tailor to the stars”, dressing many a Hollywood star.
Tina Turner
The Queen of Rock and Roll, Tina Turner made a visual impact every time she graced the stage. Her style definitely evolved in the same way that her sound did, going from classic and demure to eventually becoming a full-blown glam rock superstar! Better known for her edgy, fashion-forward style and spiky signature hairdo, Tina Turner is a legend on and off the stage. After all, who didn’t marvel at her killer legs, that even today, haven’t seemed to age?
Diana Ross
One word: D-I-V-A. Miss Ross was all about over the top glam—sequins, silk, satin and anything else luxurious. Her hairstyles were numerous but none more iconic than her voluminous curls. She’s inspired many of today’s divas especially, when it comes to the “big hair don’t care” aesthetic!
Donna Summer
Who else could rock fur and florals like Donna Summer? Donna Summer completely changed the disco scene with her dulcet tones and her killer style! Summers had a commanding presence
Michael Jackson
A name that needs no introduction, the undisputed King of Pop has given us looks after looks after looks! From sequin bomber jackets, to white socks and shiny black shoes, everyone can conjure up an iconic image of MJ. Very few people have impacted culture in such a complete way like Michael Jackson and his impact on the fashion world lives on to this day.
Janet Jackson
We can’t talk about Michael without talking about Miss Jackson (if you’re nasty). She pushed the boundaries of fashion to become a fashion and pop culture icon and like her brother, we all have images of her iconic style moments, like the military-inspired fashion of the Rhythm Nation. She was the pioneer of the fresh-faced 90’s era with understated makeup but overstated style.
Grace Jones
Jamaican-born supermodel, singer and actress Grace Jones truly paved the way for black women, especially as a dark skin woman. Sometimes androgynous, sometimes glamorous but always sexy, Grace Jones really defied categorization. With cheekbones that could cut glass, Jones was truly a chameleon, easily going from perfectly tailored pantsuits to sexy, skin-baring dresses—an 80s icon.
Prince
The Purple rain star is known for a lot more than his crooning vocals! Everyone knows that Prince epitomized sex appeal, androgyny and glam, giving us completely iconic looks spanning his 40-year career. His style was completely his own and his confidence unmatched.
Josephine Baker
The original “agent provocateur”, Miss Baker was known for her elegant, elaborate and very sexy style, the St. Louis-born became a worldwide star, style icon and one of Paris’ most beloved citizens. Her banana skirt and slick, cropped hair, is still one of the fashion world’s most iconic looks, and to this day many songstresses still emulate her elegant, sex appeal.
Sammy Davis Jr.
A real classic man, Sammy Davis Jr. epitomized debonair style. As one of the most gifted black entertainers of our time and member of the famous “rat pack”, Davis catapulted to stardom in the 1960s, his style was emblematic of the fashion of the day: slim fit suits, classic-cut dress shirts and overall aura of “cool”. As a result of this, he was known “tailor to the stars”, dressing many a Hollywood star.
Tina Turner
The Queen of Rock and Roll, Tina Turner made a visual impact every time she graced the stage. Her style definitely evolved in the same way that her sound did, going from classic and demure to eventually becoming a full-blown glam rock superstar! Better known for her edgy, fashion-forward style and spiky signature hairdo, Tina Turner is a legend on and off the stage. After all, who didn’t marvel at her killer legs, that even today, haven’t seemed to age?
Diana Ross
One word: D-I-V-A. Miss Ross was all about over the top glam—sequins, silk, satin and anything else luxurious. Her hairstyles were numerous but none more iconic than her voluminous curls. She’s inspired many of today’s divas especially, when it comes to the “big hair don’t care” aesthetic!
Donna Summer
Who else could rock fur and florals like Donna Summer? Donna Summer completely changed the disco scene with her dulcet tones and her killer style! Summers had a commanding presence
Michael Jackson
A name that needs no introduction, the undisputed King of Pop has given us looks after looks after looks! From sequin bomber jackets, to white socks and shiny black shoes, everyone can conjure up an iconic image of MJ. Very few people have impacted culture in such a complete way like Michael Jackson and his impact on the fashion world lives on to this day.
Janet Jackson
We can’t talk about Michael without talking about Miss Jackson (if you’re nasty). She pushed the boundaries of fashion to become a fashion and pop culture icon and like her brother, we all have images of her iconic style moments, like the military-inspired fashion of the Rhythm Nation. She was the pioneer of the fresh-faced 90’s era with understated makeup but overstated style.
Grace Jones
Jamaican-born supermodel, singer and actress Grace Jones truly paved the way for black women, especially as a dark skin woman. Sometimes androgynous, sometimes glamorous but always sexy, Grace Jones really defied categorization. With cheekbones that could cut glass, Jones was truly a chameleon, easily going from perfectly tailored pantsuits to sexy, skin-baring dresses—an 80s icon.