Black Artists' Hidden Rock & Roll History Revealed

Stephanie Phillips' book, 'We Were Here,' delves into the often-unseen history of black artists in rock, punk, and alternative music. Growing up, Phillips felt compelled to hide her passion for these genres, perceiving a cultural expectation that black people were not involved. She argues that black creators were fundamental to rock and roll's emergence and the continuation of subsequent genres, yet were frequently forgotten or deliberately excluded from mainstream music narratives.

The book highlights pivotal figures like Sister Rosetta Tharpe, whose guitar work influenced early rock icons, and pioneering punk bands such as Bad Brains. Phillips contends that music journalism and industry segregation in the mid-20th century often favored white male artists, obscuring the contributions of black performers. This historical oversight led to a perception that black artists were absent from these scenes, when in reality, their presence was often undocumented or ignored.

Phillips, who co-founded the black feminist punk band Big Joanie, shares her personal experiences of feeling like an outsider even within welcoming DIY punk scenes. She also points to contemporary artists like Nova Twins, who faced challenges securing record deals despite critical acclaim. The book serves as a comprehensive effort to reclaim and celebrate the integral, ongoing role of black individuals in shaping alternative music globally.