Did you know that June is Black Music Month? Illinois has a rich musical heritage from artists of every genre and is home to legends such as Sam Cooke, The Emotions, Jennifer Hudson and Chance the Rapper. This month, we honor their impact and the generations of Black artists who have contributed to music history.

Sam Cooke, also known as the “King of Soul,” played a pivotal role in the development of soul music including his hit songs "You Send Me," "A Change Is Gonna Come," "Chain Gang" and "Wonderful World.” Born in Clarksdale, Mississippi in January 1931, Cooke spent his formative years in Bronzeville, performing in churches and on the streets. After years of singing in a fledgling gospel quartet, The Highway QCs, he eventually replaced the lead vocalist position in the Stirrers, starting his major singing career at 19.

The Emotions, an American Grammy Award-winning soul/R&B vocal ensemble from Chicago, began as a gospel group called the Hutchinson Sunbeams in 1962. Their hit single “So I Can Love You” in 1969 became a top 40 pop hit and peaked at No. 3 on the R&B chart, remaining there for 10 weeks. In total, they released 13 albums and were inducted into the R&B Hall of Fame at Harlem’s The Apollo Theatre in 2001.

In more modern music, staples such as Jennifer Hudson and Chance the Rapper also have deep ties to Illinois. Born in September of 1981 in Chicago, Hudson grew up in the Englewood neighborhood and participated in church choir and theater during her high school years. She gained national attention on "American Idol" in 2004, and her career has included an Oscar win for "Dreamgirls" and a Grammy-winning music career.

Chance the Rapper, born Chancelor Johnathan Bennett, was also raised in Chicago. Known for his charitable work in the city and for founding the nonprofit SocialWorks, Bennett has consistently given back to the Chicago community, focusing on empowering Chicago youth through the arts, civic engagement and education and has donated millions to local schools and community programs. His career began in 2011 and started to gain national attention in 2013 with his hit album, “Acid Rap.” He made history at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards in 2017 by becoming the first artist to win a Grammy for a streaming-only album.

With a proud musical history, Illinois represents cultures and musical genres from everywhere around the globe. Chicago, a staple of the blues, gospel, rap and jazz genres, continues to foster musical greats such as these four artists.