Today in Black History: December 11th

December 11, 2025

This article commemorates three significant December 11th dates in African American music history. Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton, born in 1926, achieved R&B success with her original version of "Hound Dog" and later experienced a career resurgence during the 1960s folk-blues revival before her death in 1984. Langston Hughes, the renowned Harlem Renaissance writer, premiered his innovative gospel theatrical production Black Nativity on this date in 1961, adding to his legacy as a poet and playwright.

Who is affected

Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton (blues singer/songwriter)
Langston Hughes (poet, novelist, playwright)
Sam Cooke (rhythm and blues singer)
Audiences and fans of blues, gospel, and soul music
The broader African American music community and cultural heritage

What action is being taken

No explicit ongoing actions stated in the article.

Why it matters

This date represents a convergence of milestone moments in African American musical and cultural history, highlighting the contributions of artists who shaped blues, gospel, and soul music genres. These artists broke musical barriers, with Thornton creating original recordings later covered by mainstream artists, Hughes bringing gospel tradition to theatrical stages, and Cooke bridging gospel and popular music while addressing social change. Their collective influence established foundations for modern soul, R&B, and American popular music that continue to resonate today.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint