In the late 80's, music was still segregated racially. Basically, African Americans did soul and R and B. White people sang rock. However, three people came along to challenge these notions.
The leader, Michael Jackson, got MTV to change its policy about what music it would play due to the overwhelming popularity of MJ and Thriller. Then Whitney Houston appeared with the overarching appeal and popularity of her pop ballads for all races. Then George Michael's "brother-from- another-mother" soulful, dulcet tones broke apart the remaining rubble.
These people were singing what they wanted to sing. It wasn't about race, it was about music. That's what it should be about. As a singer/songwriter, I know that I write what my soul moves me to write, whether it be jazz, pop, electronica, etc. What comes out, comes out and I and everybody has the right to express themselves in the way they see fit. Thank you trailblazers. RIP.
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