The theme for Black History Month 2022 is February and Forever: Celebrating Black History today and every day. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the Black community and reflect on experiences and accomplishments. So all month we’re highlighting some of the iconic black artists who’ve changed rock n’ roll.

Starting with a British-American lead guitarist, songwriter, and record producer: Saul Hudson, aka Slash.

Slash is a member of the band Guns N’ Roses, as well as the supergroup Velvet Revolver, and many other side projects. He’s also collaborated with many famous artists like Lenny Kravitz and Michael Jackson, on multiple occasions. You may have even spotted him in the opening skit of the music video for MJ’s song “Black or White”.

In a statement, Slash said “As a musician, I’ve always been amused that I’m both British and Black; particularly because so many American musicians seem to aspire to be British while so many British musicians, in the ‘Sixties in particular, went to such great pains to be Black.”

His parents were both very involved in the music industry, from a behind the scenes perspective. His mother was a fashion designer and costumier who worked with Ringo Starr, Janis Joplin, and David Bowie. She actually dated Bowie for a short time. Slash’s father on the other hand is an artist who has made album covers for many musicians like Joni Mitchell and Neil Young.

 

Slash is also known for his philanthropy. He’s an honorary board member of Little Kids Rock, which is a national nonprofit organization working to “restore and rejuvenate music education programs in disadvantaged public schools.” Slash has visited and jammed out with Little Kids Rock students, and has even donated instruments to the organization.

He says “Being a musician is good for the character because it teaches you a lot about discipline. I think it’s a great creative outlet.”

He’s accomplished many things throughout his career, including being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.

You can learn more about Slash in the interview he had this month with Jimmy Kimmel. Watch it below.