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2024 Oscars: Black Singers, Rappers and Musicians Who Won Academy Awards

Musical artists such as Jon Batiste, Prince, and Stevie Wonder are some of the talented musicians who have taken home gold trophies at the Oscars

Photo: Getty Images Matt Winkelmeyer

The Oscars are meant to honor and celebrate the best in the movie-making business like actors and directors. However, singers, music producers, and artists from the music industry have often stolen the show.

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Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?
Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?

They have not only won Oscars for the songs they created but also for their acting abilities. This year, Jon Batiste is leading the pack as the next singer to win a golden trophy for his track, โ€œIt Never Went Awayโ€ from his Netflix documentary โ€œAmerican Symphony.โ€ As we wait for the 2024 Oscars, here are all of the Black artists and musicians who have won Oscars during the Academy Awardsโ€™ 95-year history.

Isaac Hayes

Photo: Getty Images Michael Ochs Archives Photo: Getty Images Michael Ochs Archives

The now-deceased Isaac Hayes is one of the most decorated and talented musicians of all time. He not only became the third Black person to ever win an Oscar but also the first to win a non-acting category, paving the way for artists and musicians to win on Hollywoodโ€™s biggest stage. His 1971 song, โ€œTheme From Shaftโ€ won the award for Best Original Song at the 1972 Oscars.

Irene Cara

Photo: Getty Images Bob Riha, Jr. Photo: Getty Images Bob Riha, Jr.

The late Irene Cara was a multi-talented entertainer who won the Oscar for Best Original Song in 1984 for the track, โ€œFlashdance... What a Feelingโ€ from the movie โ€œFlashdance.โ€

Stevie Wonder

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bhyvt3APwAE

One of the greatest singers and performers who ever walked the earth also has an Academy Award under his belt. In 1985, Stevie Wonder won an Oscar for Best Original Song for his classic record, โ€œI Just Called To Say I Love You.โ€

Prince

Photo: Getty Images ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content Photo: Getty Images ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content

We miss Prince. His catalog is filled with classic albums and songs. But, maybe none are more classic than his 1984 song: โ€œPurple Rain.โ€ In 1985, he won the Oscar for Best Original Song Score.

Lionel Richie

Photo: Getty Images ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content Photo: Getty Images ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content

Although Lionel Richie was previously nominated for an Oscar in 1982, he ended up winning four years later in 1986 for his song, โ€œSay You, Say Meโ€ from the movie โ€œWhite Nights.โ€

Jamie Foxx

Photo: Getty Images ROBYN BECK/AFP Photo: Getty Images ROBYN BECK/AFP

Jamie Foxx is a multi-talented entertainer. Heโ€™s a comedian, he can sing and act. A true triple threat in the industry. In 2005, Foxx won the Oscar for Best Actor for his critically acclaimed performance in โ€œRay.โ€ He was so damn good in that movie that people really thought Foxx was Ray Charles. That same Oscar night, he was also nominated in the supporting actor category for his role in โ€œCollateral.โ€

Three 6 Mafia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=du_01sqzsck

The biggest win for hip-hop in Oscars history. The Memphis hip-hop group is beloved for its countless Southern rap classics. But after 2006, they added an Academy Award winner to their resume after taking home the award for Best Original Song for their record, โ€œItโ€™s Hard Out Here for a Pimpโ€ from the movie Hustle & Flow.ย 

Jennifer Hudson

Photo: Getty Images Michael Caulfield/WireImage Photo: Getty Images Michael Caulfield/WireImage

Jennifer Hudson rose to fame as a contestant on the show โ€œAmerican Idol.โ€ Although she did not win, people, outside of Simon Cowell, expected her to have a solid music career. Although she has, sheโ€™s also become an incredible actress. In her debut role as an actress, Hudson took home the Oscar for Best Supprting Actress for her performance in โ€œDreamgirls.โ€

Common & John Legend

Photo: Getty Images Jason Merritt Photo: Getty Images Jason Merritt

These beloved artists won an Oscar together for their song, โ€œGlory,โ€ย from the movie โ€œSelma.โ€

H.E.R.

Photo: Getty Images Chris Pizzello-Pool Photo: Getty Images Chris Pizzello-Pool

For someone so young, H.E.R. has accomplished feats that artists wait for their whole career. In 2021, she won an Oscar for Best Original Song for her track, โ€œFight for Youโ€ from โ€œJudas and the Black Messiah.โ€ The R&B singer is well on her way to EGOT status.

Jon Batiste

Photo: Getty Images Chris Pizzello-Pool Photo: Getty Images Chris Pizzello-Pool

Before winning big at the 2022 Grammys, Jon Batiste won an Oscar for Best Original Score for his work on the Disney movie โ€œSoul.โ€

Questlove

Photo: Getty Images Emma McIntyre Photo: Getty Images Emma McIntyre

Although Questloveโ€™s Oscar moment was stolen by an infamous slap, the musicianโ€™s incredible documentary โ€œSummer of Soulโ€ won the award for Best Documentary Feature at the 2022 Oscars.

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