The world of music is an evolving one. It's always changing, recreating, and making a voice for the musician creating the music.

The way musicians communicate their message to the masses is unlike any other art form. Music reaches across age barriers, time barriers, and cultural barriers.

As we pay tribute to the many African American leaders of past and present, we remember the pioneers that paved the way in song.

Here are just a few musicians that remain timeless; their work has changed the face of music and broke across barriers that were once unbreakable.

Aretha Franklin Known as the 'Queen of Soul', Franklin has mastered the many genres of music, including jazz, rock, blues, pop, R&B and gospel.

Jimi Hendrix Was one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.

Michael Jackson The greatest pop icon of the 20th century.

Stevie Wonder An African American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer.

Billie Holiday Known as 'Lady Day', she was a renowned jazz singer and performer.

Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong American jazz trumpet virtuoso, and singer.

Dizzy Gillespie Jazz musician and composer. He paved the way for the 'Bebop' movement in modern jazz.

Tina Turner Grammy Award-winning rhythm and blues singer known for her powerful vocals and her athletic dancing.

Prince Influential musician/singer whose music combines elements of rock, pop and funk.

With the help of Songs for Teaching, below are just a few musical selections to observe Black History Month.

Follow the Drinking Gourd

Get on Board, Little Children

I Have a Dream - Musical Tribute to MLK

I'm On My Way

Kumbaya

Rosa Parks

Stand Up for Your Beliefs

We've Got The Whole World In Our Hands

Learn more about other famous musicians and their work at Infoplease: Notable African-American Musicians.