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Home • Blonde

Hot Hair: The Evolution of Blondes in Black Music

Mary J. Blige went back to blonde for a cameo on Empire. Judging from her return golden tresses and artists like Nicki Minaj and Beyonce, it's clear that blonde is the thing right now. But it's not a new thing. Ever since Etta James and Mary Wells took to the stage rocking voluminous platinum wigs, sunny strands have been a huge trend among black musicians. In honor of Women's History Month, we're taking a look back at the history of blondes in music.
By Jolie A. Doggett · Updated October 27, 2020
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01
1962, Etta James

Etta James set a zillion trends with her Jayne Mansfield-inspired, platinum curls.

The Evolution of Blondes in Black Music
02
1964, Mary Wells

The Motown songstress always looked chic in her huge, honey blonde bouffant.

The Evolution of Blondes in Black Music
03
1967, Tammi Terrell

Marvin Gaye’s favorite collaborator was cute-as-a-button in her back-combed and teased amber tresses. ‘Aint No Mountain High Enough,’ indeed!

The Evolution of Blondes in Black Music
04
1977, Aretha Franklin

For a brief, shining moment in the late-Seventies, Aretha dyed her hair a luminous strawberry blonde shade. Love the topknot!

The Evolution of Blondes in Black Music
05
1984, Tina Turner

For “part two” of her storied career, Tina Turner sported this super-iconic, totally teased, frosted blonde wig.

The Evolution of Blondes in Black Music
06
1985, Cherrelle

The “Saturday Love” singer channeled 1930’s-era sirens with her rippling, sun-kissed waves.

The Evolution of Blondes in Black Music
07
1995, Mary J. Blige

In the mid-Nineties, Mary J. Blige gave blonde hair a tough, street chic makeover. We’re excited to see her blonde ‘do tonight on Empire.

The Evolution of Blondes in Black Music
08
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1998 Mariah Carey

The Evolution of Blondes in Black Music
09
1999, Lil Kim

In her heyday, Lil Kim always made an entrance in a brightly colored wig — but her favorite was this shocking, white-blonde hue. Legendary!

The Evolution of Blondes in Black Music
10
1999, Eve

Despite the skin-tight ensembles and short platinum curls, Eve was one of the Nineties’ hardest emcees.

The Evolution of Blondes in Black Music
11
2002, T-Boz

The lead singer of TLC, T-Boz’s asymmetric golden ’do is almost as legendary as her gravelly voice.

The Evolution of Blondes in Black Music
12
2009, Rihanna

Before RiRi was the world’s most famous redhead, she was an edgy blonde with the most-copied haircut of the moment.

The Evolution of Blondes in Black Music
13
2011, Keri Hilson

In her short career, Keri Hilson has had black hair, brown tresses, streaked strands — and now she’s a platinum blonde, and we live for it!

The Evolution of Blondes in Black Music
14
2011, Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj commands attention wherever she goes in her dayglo yellow, Rapunzel wigs.

The Evolution of Blondes in Black Music
15
2011, Beyonce

Beyonce adds depth to her sun-kissed strands with luminous, buttery-blonde highlights. Gorgeous!

The Evolution of Blondes in Black Music
16
2013, Tamar Braxton

Diva on the loose! The youngest Braxton sister has always been one to stand out from the crowd and her long blonde hair certainly helps her pop. 

The Evolution of Blondes in Black Music
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17
2013, K. Michelle

K. Michelle went through quite a transformation of the tresses in 2013. She went from long candy apple red curls to a sleek blonde pixie that we’re loving.

The Evolution of Blondes in Black Music
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18
2014, Ciara

R&B songstress Ciara rocking the perfect baby bump-blonde bob combo.

The Evolution of Blondes in Black Music
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19
2015, Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer is owning her grown and sexy with a sleek bronze ‘do.

The Evolution of Blondes in Black Music
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20
2015, Mary J. Blige

Yasss honey for the honey blonde waves! Mary J. Blige is turning up the heat on Empire with a return to her blonde days.

The Evolution of Blondes in Black Music
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