June Celebrates African-American Music Appreciation Month

June Celebrates African-American Music Appreciation Month
June is the month that America celebrates African-American music of the past and present and is designated as Black Music Month. The celebration started back in 1979 when music industry icons Kenny Gamble, Ed Wright, and Dyana Williams developed the idea to set a month dedicated to celebrating the importance and impact of black music on our culture. Soon after, on June 7, 1979, President Jimmy Carter officially designated June as Black Music Month.
President Barack Obama instituted the new title of African-American Music Appreciation Month in 2009 and declared: "The music of our Nation has always spoken to the condition of our people and reflected the diversity of our Union. African-American musicians, composers, singers, and songwriters have made enormous contributions to our culture by capturing the hardships and aspirations of a community and reminding us of our shared values."
"The African-American music tradition also reflects creativity and individualism. Blues, jazz, soul, and rock and roll synthesize various musical traditions to create altogether new sounds. Their novel chord progressions, improvisation, and mood showcase individual musicians while also creating a cohesive musical unit. In addition, African-American composers have thrived in traditional genres such as musical theater, opera, classical symphony, and choral music, providing their unique imprint and creatively growing these forms of music. All of these contributions are treasured across America and the world," states White House press statement.
The Bellamy Group does a stellar job of recognizing the invaluable musical influences of African-Americans. Gospel's Thomas A. Dorsey, Rev. James Cleveland, Mahalia Jackson, Albertina Walker, Andrae' Crouch, Danniebelle Hall and many others have paved the way for today's Gospel Music artists. We are honored to play a role in the promotion and continued growth of African-American music and applaud the talent and dedication of our family of artists past and present.
Tags : african american month black history month President Obama
Hot Trends
-
Derek Webb, Former Caedmon's Call Guitarist and Vocalist, Attends the Dove Awards in a Dress
-
The 3 Heath Brothers Introduce Us to the Next Generation of Gospel Music
-
Michael Boggs on Life After FFH, the Formation of Brooke + Boggs & Their New EP "Wildfire"
-
Leanette Lopez's New Book Explores How We Can Connect with God Through Worship
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson Finalizes His Decision to Leave Christianity in Tear-Filled Letter
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson's Startling Revelations About Brian Houston & His Own Marriage
-
The LeFevre Quartet Announces 20th Anniversary Concert Celebration
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Martin Smith's "Joy (What The World Calls Foolish)"
-
Jaelee Roberts Releases the Raw and Emotional “Heavy As A Stone In Her Heart”
-
Celebration of Life Service Honoring Nancy Harmon To Be Held January 14th
-
Joy Williams Reveals the Real Reason Behind Civil War's Breakup
-
Madison Watkins Returns with New Single "You Won't"
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Passion's "Follow"
-
"The King of Kings" Will Be in Theaters April 11
-
Linda Boles Releases New Single “Creator”
Most Popular
-
Derek Webb, Former Caedmon's Call Guitarist and Vocalist, Attends the Dove Awards in a Dress
-
The 3 Heath Brothers Introduce Us to the Next Generation of Gospel Music
-
Michael Boggs on Life After FFH, the Formation of Brooke + Boggs & Their New EP "Wildfire"
-
Leanette Lopez's New Book Explores How We Can Connect with God Through Worship
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson Finalizes His Decision to Leave Christianity in Tear-Filled Letter
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson's Startling Revelations About Brian Houston & His Own Marriage
-
The LeFevre Quartet Announces 20th Anniversary Concert Celebration
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Martin Smith's "Joy (What The World Calls Foolish)"
-
Jaelee Roberts Releases the Raw and Emotional “Heavy As A Stone In Her Heart”
-
Celebration of Life Service Honoring Nancy Harmon To Be Held January 14th
-
Joy Williams Reveals the Real Reason Behind Civil War's Breakup
-
Madison Watkins Returns with New Single "You Won't"
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Passion's "Follow"
-
"The King of Kings" Will Be in Theaters April 11
-
Linda Boles Releases New Single “Creator”