While music fans await the 2013 Grammy Awards next Sunday, February 1 kicks off Black History Month, a tradition dating back to the 1920s that's important in its own right.

To celebrate the notable achievements of African-American musicians, we took a look back at some of the greatest musicians as indicated by their many, many Grammy awards—the golden standard in music. 

While there are generations of influential artists that never won a gramophone, the Grammys remain an important benchmark in many artists' careers. Kick your month off right with some of the most awarded African-American artists and one of their epic Grammy performances. Happy February indeed.