Sounding Off.... Black Music Month

Banjo Lesson Henry Ossawa Turner

Gospel, Spirituals, Jazz, Blues, Soul, R&B, Rock N Roll, New Jack Swing, Rap/Hip-Hop these are just a handful of genres that African Americans have created and impacted. June is known as African American Music Appreciation Month formerly Black Music Month. I love Obama but I'm going to continue to call this "Black Music Month."

Jimi Hendrix

Black Music Month began in 1979 when Kenny Gamble, Ed Wright, & Dyana Williams developed the idea to set aside a month dedicated to celebrating the impact of black music. They successfully lobbied President Jimmy Carter to host a reception on June 7th, 1979 to formally recognize the cultural and financial contributions of black music.

Black Music Heroes

In 2000, US-Representative Chaka Fattah sponsored House Resolution 509, which formally recognized the importance of Black music on culture and the economy during President Bill Clinton's administration. Nine years later, President Barack Obama further defined June as African American Music Appreciation Month who declared the start of summer as a celebration for all the black musicians, composers, singers, and songwriters who have made enormous contributions to our culture.

Luke James

" The music of our Nation has always spoken to the condition of our people and reflected the diversity our Union. African American musicians, composers, singers, an songwriters have made enormous contributions to our culture by capturing the hardships and aspirations of a community and reminding us of our shared values." President Barack Obama

Nas

Toni's Thoughts: I love music and I still write song lyrics I can listen to Marvin Gaye, Little Richard, The O'Jays, Jodeci, H-Town the list goes on. One of my favorite slow jams discussing a broken heart "Ain't No Way" Aretha Franklin she sang that song so well and Cissy Houston was killing it in the background she passed that gift down to her daughter  the late Whitney Houston. I am proud of the contributions African Americans have made in music and I am sad to see my generation does not understand what we have done and many African American artists are not aware of this either. At the moment one song I have had on repeat is "Who Do We Think We Are" John Legend this is pure R&B I feel as though Rick Ross's verse was not needed but the song is still great I am posting that video next.