To honor Black History Month, The Current is celebrating by spotlighting African-American musical icons from throughout history and across genres. Help us pick who to feature!

The latest in our series of musical reminiscences comes from Amy Glaser of Hudson, Wis., who thinks of a dear friend whenever she hears this track by R.E.M.

Minneapolis band Howler is set to launch a new album, 'World of Joy' in the spring of 2014. Get a preview of what's in store for the new record by downloading the track "Don't Wanna."

The band's third album splits the difference between the guitar-fueled rumble of a '60s basement and the synth-friendly shimmer of an '80s studio. But the additional polish never overwhelms the songwriting.

If the New York band's first album evoked a cardigan, its follow-up is more of a leather jacket. But along with a greater toughness in Amber Papini's singing, there's also a wider tonal palette at work.

Beck's forthcoming album 'Morning Phase' is a mere six weeks away, but we've heard shockingly little about the new record... until now.

The latest in our series of musical reminiscences comes from Dan Sampson of Hopkins, Minn., who thinks back to the punk-rock scene in Green Bay, Wis.

The L.A. band's warm but mysterious songs smear together seamlessly and often beautifully.

In the latest entry in our series of musical reminiscences, Sara Turman of St. Louis Park, Minn., shares a memory of Nirvana's song "Smells Like Teen Spirit".

Less than a year after a terrifying cancer diagnosis, the soul star stages a triumphant return. Set, as always, against The Dap-Kings' characteristically springy horns, Jones growls and struts through 10 timeless songs that couldn't sound better suited to the big stage.