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
-
CCM Artists Call for Reform Amid Allegations Against Michael Tait: “Secrecy Always Destroys”
-
Michael Tait Accused of Watching Woman Raped During Newsboys Tour
-
Newsboys Dropped From Label Amid Michael Tait Scandal
-
TobyMac Accused of Dabbling with Satanic Occult
-
Michael Tait Faces Additional Allegations from 6 More Men, Including Two Minors
-
Chuck Girard, Founding Member of Love Song, Shares Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis
-
Cory Asbury Speaks Out: "Everyone Knew" About Michael Tait Allegations
-
Bishop Thomas Tyrone Tribbett, Father of Gospel Artist Tye Tribbett, Passes Away
-
Lysa TerKeurst’s 22-Yr-Old Daughter Breaks Silence About Her Dad’s Affair
-
The Swaggart Family to Hold Private Meeting Amid Evangelist Jimmy Swaggart’s Critical Health Crisis
-
Kevin Max Explains Audio Adrenaline Departure in Open Letter (Read Here)
-
Christian Author Lysa Terkeurst Divorcing Husband After 'Worst Kind of Betrayal'
-
Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll’s “Hard Fought Hallelujah” Officially Certified Platinum
-
Newsboys' Michael Tait Joins Capital Chuch for their 37th Annual Easter Sunrise Service at the Lincoln Memorial
-
Matt Hammitt is Leaving Sanctus Real
Most Popular
-
CCM Artists Call for Reform Amid Allegations Against Michael Tait: “Secrecy Always Destroys”
-
Michael Tait Accused of Watching Woman Raped During Newsboys Tour
-
Newsboys Dropped From Label Amid Michael Tait Scandal
-
TobyMac Accused of Dabbling with Satanic Occult
-
Michael Tait Faces Additional Allegations from 6 More Men, Including Two Minors
-
Chuck Girard, Founding Member of Love Song, Shares Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis
-
Cory Asbury Speaks Out: "Everyone Knew" About Michael Tait Allegations
-
Bishop Thomas Tyrone Tribbett, Father of Gospel Artist Tye Tribbett, Passes Away
-
Lysa TerKeurst’s 22-Yr-Old Daughter Breaks Silence About Her Dad’s Affair
-
The Swaggart Family to Hold Private Meeting Amid Evangelist Jimmy Swaggart’s Critical Health Crisis
-
Kevin Max Explains Audio Adrenaline Departure in Open Letter (Read Here)
-
Christian Author Lysa Terkeurst Divorcing Husband After 'Worst Kind of Betrayal'
-
Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll’s “Hard Fought Hallelujah” Officially Certified Platinum
-
Newsboys' Michael Tait Joins Capital Chuch for their 37th Annual Easter Sunrise Service at the Lincoln Memorial
-
Matt Hammitt is Leaving Sanctus Real