Never Turn Back: How African American Music Continues to Shape Culture

By Linda Lowry

Seattle's Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) has opened a new exhibition called “Never Turn Back: Echoes of African American Music.”  This exhibit shows how Gospel, Blues, Jazz, and Soul music have influenced modern music, including Hip-Hop and Pop.

The exhibition highlights the growth of these music genres. It features original vinyl records, rare photos, and interactive listening stations. Visitors can explore the roots of Black musical innovation. For example, the spiritual sounds of Gospel can be heard today in artists like Beyoncé, while Jazz has influenced rap freestyling. One exciting part of the exhibit is called “The Remix: The Legacy of Hip-Hop Sampling.” This section shows how modern artists borrow sounds from classic records to create new music. You can find traces of legends like Aretha Franklin and John Lee Hooker in today’s hits.

MoPOP launched the new exhibition in spectacular fashion with “Soul Train Revival”, a high-energy event conceived and produced by Ed Maloney—the visionary behind Belltown Yacht Club, founder of Blue Velvet Studios, and music editor for Seattle Means Business Magazine. Inspired by the legendary TV show that defined Soul, Funk, and R&B from the 1970s to the 1990s, the evening paid tribute to its lasting influence on music and dance.

Seattle R&B artist Andy Stokes hosted the celebration, bringing his signature charisma, while DJ Supreme La Rock kept the energy soaring with classic dance-floor hits. Thaddeus Turner & The 206 Ribshack Orchestra delivered electrifying live performances, featuring powerhouse vocalists Bernadette Bascom, Shaina Shepherd, and Cameron Lavi-Jones, each showcasing the deep legacy of Soul and R&B. The excitement reached its peak with the legendary Train Line Dance-Off, where guests channeled the spirit of Soul Train, stepping into the spotlight with their best moves. Meanwhile, the Sound & Vision Theater echoed with timeless tracks from James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Whitney Houston, reminding attendees of the profound impact these artists continue to have on today’s music. With themed photo ops and craft cocktails enhancing the festive atmosphere, Soul Train Revival wasn’t just an event, it was a full-blown celebration of Black music, culture, and the enduring rhythm that continues to inspire new generations.

MoPOP’s Never Turn Back exhibition is officially open, and if opening night was any indication, this journey through Gospel, Blues, Jazz, and Soul is set to be one of the most exhilarating experiences in Seattle’s cultural scene. This exhibition shows how African American music is not just a part of history, it is still a powerful force that continues to evolve and inspire new generations. If you enjoy music and culture, don’t miss “Never Turn Back.”  Visit MoPOP to experience the rhythms that shaped a nation and continue to influence the world today.

Mopop.org