Does A Black Woman's Complexion Determine Success In The Music Business?

I had a brief discussion with a talent manager in the music business last week concerning female black singers, and it was her opinion that a black female's complexion is a driving force in determining major or moderate success in the music industry. The success of India Arie, was the example specifically used when compared to the success of a Jill Scott or Erykah Badu, two "fairer" complexioned singers. The recent success of Rihanna, and of course the continued success of Beyonce Knowles were also mentioned.

I have to admit, as much as I love music, I never thought that there was a correlation between a black woman's complexion and success in the music industry. My first thought has always been that talent, and perhaps supreme production were the major drivers. My personal litmus test for this debate will center around the successes of two prominent R&B/Pop singers who have CDs dropping in the fall, Jennifer Hudson and Keri Hilson, both of whom are on opposite ends of the black complexion scale.

Jennifer Hudson is an Oscar winner with a tremendous voice and a great song on the charts right now called, "Spotlight". I really don't want to get into a debate about complexion, but simply put, Jennifer is of a darker hue than Keri. Jennifer Hudson has the Clive Davis machine of J Records behind her, so I would assume that she'll have at least have platinum success.

Keri Hilson is a new comer to the music game, having earned her stripes primarily as a writer until she was introduced to us by the mega producers, Polow Da Don and Timberland. Like Hudson, Hilson has the machine of top flight producers helming her project, which should result in at least platinum success. Hilson's single, titled "Energy" displays her catchy lyrical style and pop versatility.

Jennifer Hudson and Keri Hilson are both tremendously talented singers, who deserve all of the success that their talent, not the complexion of their skin will earn them.