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
-
Maddi Jane Runs to the “Father’s House” with New Single
-
Crowder Undergoes Emergency Surgery Following Leg Injury
-
"A Unity of Purpose" Celebrates 100 Years of Southern Baptist Cooperative Program
-
Forrest Frank Releases "Selah," Peforms First Show Following Back Injury
-
Chuck Girard, Founding Member of Love Song, Shares Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis
-
Recent Accident Inspires Forrest Frank’s New Single "Lemonade (feat. The Figs)"
-
Chris Rice Maintains Public Silence Following Abuse Allegations; Focuses on Writing and Speaking
-
Brandon Blackstock, Ex-Husband of Kelly Clarkson and Former Stepson of Reba McEntire, Dies at 48
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson's Startling Revelations About Brian Houston & His Own Marriage
-
Here Are Lyrics to Bethel Music's "The Church"
-
Phil Wickham Celebrates His 15th Wedding Anniversary with "Just Too Good"
-
The Final Season: New Film "The Senior" Tells A True Story of Redemption and Resolve
-
Dante Bowe Rejoins Maverick City Music After "Accidentally" Posting Nude Selfie 3 Years Ago
-
"Finished" by Caleb and John: A Soul-Stirring Anthem Celebrating Christ’s Complete Victory
-
Lecrae Releases Bold New Single “Tell No Lie” Featuring Jackie Hill Perry
Most Popular
-
Maddi Jane Runs to the “Father’s House” with New Single
-
Crowder Undergoes Emergency Surgery Following Leg Injury
-
"A Unity of Purpose" Celebrates 100 Years of Southern Baptist Cooperative Program
-
Forrest Frank Releases "Selah," Peforms First Show Following Back Injury
-
Chuck Girard, Founding Member of Love Song, Shares Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis
-
Recent Accident Inspires Forrest Frank’s New Single "Lemonade (feat. The Figs)"
-
Chris Rice Maintains Public Silence Following Abuse Allegations; Focuses on Writing and Speaking
-
Brandon Blackstock, Ex-Husband of Kelly Clarkson and Former Stepson of Reba McEntire, Dies at 48
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson's Startling Revelations About Brian Houston & His Own Marriage
-
Here Are Lyrics to Bethel Music's "The Church"
-
Phil Wickham Celebrates His 15th Wedding Anniversary with "Just Too Good"
-
The Final Season: New Film "The Senior" Tells A True Story of Redemption and Resolve
-
Dante Bowe Rejoins Maverick City Music After "Accidentally" Posting Nude Selfie 3 Years Ago
-
"Finished" by Caleb and John: A Soul-Stirring Anthem Celebrating Christ’s Complete Victory
-
Lecrae Releases Bold New Single “Tell No Lie” Featuring Jackie Hill Perry