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
-
New Documentary “J. D. Greear Unmasked” Exposes Power Struggles Within the Southern Baptist Convention
-
Bill Gaither and Gaither Vocal Band Launch 2025 “Love Like I’m Leaving” Tour
-
Here Are the Winners of the 2024 K-LOVE Fan Awards
-
12th Annual K-LOVE Fan Awards: The Winners & How You Can Watch It
-
Newsboys Frontman Michael Tait Accused of Sexual Assault and Misconduct
-
Brandon Lake Sparks Conversation on “Christianese” in Worship: Calls for Greater Accessibility in Music
-
The Tragic End of Kingdom Heir's Founder Steve French
-
Squire Parsons, Southern Gospel Singer, Dies
-
Here Are Lyrics to Bethel Music's "The Church"
-
Ben Fuller Invites Carrie Underwood to Join Him On Stage for Live Duet Debut at The Grand Ole Opry
-
TobyMac Accused of Dabbling with Satanic Occult
-
Megan Woods Announces New Single “I Believe You” Set to Release on June 6
-
Jeremy Camp Collaborates with Daughters, Arie Camp and Bella Camp, on "Again"
-
Angelique Marketon Releases "Out Of The Deep"
-
New Trailer for "Testament," a Series Bringing to Life the Acts of the Apostles, is Out Now!
Most Popular
-
New Documentary “J. D. Greear Unmasked” Exposes Power Struggles Within the Southern Baptist Convention
-
Bill Gaither and Gaither Vocal Band Launch 2025 “Love Like I’m Leaving” Tour
-
Here Are the Winners of the 2024 K-LOVE Fan Awards
-
12th Annual K-LOVE Fan Awards: The Winners & How You Can Watch It
-
Newsboys Frontman Michael Tait Accused of Sexual Assault and Misconduct
-
Brandon Lake Sparks Conversation on “Christianese” in Worship: Calls for Greater Accessibility in Music
-
The Tragic End of Kingdom Heir's Founder Steve French
-
Squire Parsons, Southern Gospel Singer, Dies
-
Here Are Lyrics to Bethel Music's "The Church"
-
Ben Fuller Invites Carrie Underwood to Join Him On Stage for Live Duet Debut at The Grand Ole Opry
-
TobyMac Accused of Dabbling with Satanic Occult
-
Megan Woods Announces New Single “I Believe You” Set to Release on June 6
-
Jeremy Camp Collaborates with Daughters, Arie Camp and Bella Camp, on "Again"
-
Angelique Marketon Releases "Out Of The Deep"
-
New Trailer for "Testament," a Series Bringing to Life the Acts of the Apostles, is Out Now!