Author : Hughes Nelson
Like every other year, this year June will be also celebrated as Black Music Month, a month that is set to appreciate and embrace African American Music. The movement was first created by President Jimmy Carter in 1979 in order to reflect the unparalleled contribution of black music and culture in America as well as all over the world. This month is set to pay homage to African American legends who enriched the music industry across all genres. As June is ongoing, let’s find out more about Black Music Month.
The celebration of Black Music Month initially started to increase awareness and sales of Black music. With a joint dinner between the Black Music Association organized by the White House, then President Jimmy Carter initiated this movement. However, the month was not officially celebrated until 2000 when a congressional bill has been passed to officially announce June as African-American Music Month. Though it has different names, like Black Music Appreciation Month, Black Music Month, African-American Music Appreciation Month, etc; the purpose of this movement remains the same in every case. The draft of House Resolution 509 is the bill that helped to declare June as the month for celebration.
Music enthusiasts of these days are still amazed at How Black music changed the world. Let’s find out how it enriched the industry.
Gospel Music
Gospel music is the symbol of African American spiritual and religious life. It is the earliest form of musical expression in America, where Christianity merged with music. However, it mainly started in the Black Churches where would try to find God through music after hardship and slavery. By cultivating their emotions and connecting with the lord, the African American people helped gospel music gain global exposure. “The Caravans” was one of the most talented Gospel groups from the ‘60s.
Hip-hop
It is known to all that hip-hop and rap are deeply woven with African American culture and traditions. They are the ones who first created a wave of musical creativity by bringing rap into the industry. Later on, with the wide acceptance, demand, and popularity; hip-hop quickly gained global recognition. Rap stands for voicing opinion in a true and unapologetic manner and now it is being practiced by rappers across the world. Hip-hop is now the top music genre in the industry which is a part of other rock and pop tracks.
Jazz & Blues
Blues is a musical genre that is greatly influenced by the African American lifestyle and culture. Though Jazz evolved from ragtime, both musical genres show some hefty influence of black music artists across all sections. There were black singers, musicians, composers, instrumentalists, and many other kinds of artists who helped pave the way for these genres. Miles Davis and BB King are some legendary artists who helped these genres popularize with their sheer talent, skills, and individuality. Starting from the 1920s big-band era to the experimental flair of modern avant-garde jazz, African American artists are everywhere!
Rhythm & Blues
This music genre is a predecessor to soul music that is stylistic, soothing, and greatly engaging. R&B helped to spread the influence of African American music even further and popularized their heritage while collaborating with other white artists. Mary J. Blige is one of the legendary R&B singers from the ‘90s. Currently, the influence of this genre is widely visible in funk and contemporary soul.
Wrapping Up
With all the musical influence and precious contributions in the music industry, it is evidently noticeable that without black music; there would be hardly any American music to appreciate their presence, Black Music Month should be celebrated every year.
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