The origins of key elements of African American culture, such as the blues and jazz, can be traced to traditional West African griot and djali musicians and performers. They were not just entertainers and storytellers but custodians of memory. They are the link in the trans-Atlantic chain leading to Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith. Miles Davis, Gil Scott-Heron and modern-day rappers. A "riff" is a jazz term. It means "to improvise on a theme." July 7, 2000.

Amiri Baraka
Amiri Baraka, a major figure in African American culture, rose to fame in the 1960s as LeRoi Jones. His 1964 off-Broadway play, "Dutchman" created a sensation. Later he became Amiri Baraka and was a central figure in the Black Arts movement. He is an award-winning playwright and poet and recipient of the American Book Award for Lifetime Achievement.