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An African-American rock group surrounded by soul music, Death had a tough time finding an audience in 1970s Detroit as its own sound shifted from funk and soul to hard rock. It took until last year for the world to discover Death's bold, surprising rock 'n' roll.

Though they work as a traditional African-American string band, Carolina Chocolate Drops' members throw in some modern twists. The Durham, N.C.-based trio plays a wide variety of instruments, including the banjo, fiddle, jug, bones and harmonica. All of those sounds are featured on the band's newest record, Genuine Negro Jig.

The singer-songwriter, once a professional surfer, discusses his father's influence and unique Hawaiian upbringing. Johnson is about to embark on a world tour in support of his latest album, and says he plans to donate all profits to charity.

The writer-producer-arranger had a voice that was clear and powerful, and his piano-playing is remarkable in its own right. Although Hathaway is perhaps best known for his duets with singer Roberta Flack, the body of work he left behind when he died 30 years ago is part of the bedrock of American soul music.

Afrobeat has proven to be the most durable and appealing fusion of African and American pop styles -- in spite of the death of Afrobeat's creator, Fela Kuti. Critic Milo Miles talks about how some smart, determined Afrobeat inheritors both sustain and build upon the style's foundations.

Her mother was Navajo, her father African-American. Now, she sings traditional songs in the language of her Native American ancestors -- with more than one twist. Cody lends her soulful, bluesy voice to speak out against domestic abuse.

The legendary entertainer broke barriers for African-Americans in film and television, as well as on stages from Las Vegas to Broadway. Horne died Sunday in New York at the age of 92.

Though they work as a traditional African-American string band, Carolina Chocolate Drops' members throw in some modern twists. The Durham, N.C.-based trio plays a wide variety of instruments, including the banjo, fiddle, jug, bones and harmonica. All of those sounds are featured on the band's newest record, Genuine Negro Jig.

The early stages of 2011 have already seen new jazz records inspired by the civil rights movement, scored for a New Orleans trio and rearranging an underrated drummer's music. Hear music from Marcus Shelby, Plunge, Joel Harrison and the Horo label.

Jazz musicians today find profound inspiration in a lot of different places, from Chicago to rural Louisiana prisons, and from old standards to biology class. Hear new music from Howard Wiley, Rebecca Martin, Henry Threadgill and the band Herculaneum.