June Is Black Music Month
You know the month of June is always a month filled with much activity. There are graduations, father’s day, Juneteenth, and even the first day of summer starts in June.
Even with all of this, the month of June has been designated as Black Music Month.
The Black Music Month campaign was spearheaded by Kenny Gamble. Gamble makes up one half of the legendary songwriting and production team Gamble and Huff who are responsible for the hits that make up TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia) such as “If You Don’t Know Me By Now”, “Back Stabbers” and “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now”. And after all was said and done, in June of 1979, President Jimmy Carter agreed with Mr. Gamble and designated June as Black Music Month.
This tradition of our American Presidents designating the month of June as Black Music Month has continued ever since.
Can you imagine music today, without the contributions and innovations that have come from African Americans? Can you imagine American music with no Jazz, no Blues, no R&B, Gospel and yes even no Rap? While some may be able to do without Rap music, there is no doubt in my mind that music as whole would be at a loss if it weren’t for these contributions.
Since just about every genre of music has been influenced by the music and traditions of our African forefathers, what can you do in recognition of Black Music Month? Here is what I suggest. Buy, notice I said Buy not Burn one piece of music from a genre that you normally don’t listen to. Are you and R&B fan, but never really listened to or own a jazz album? Buy one of the classic jazz recordings –like the Sketches of Spain by Miles Davis. Or you can buy a compilation recording in jazz, or blues and yes even rap to deepen your music appreciation and also get some really good music in your collection. Don’t limit yourself.
Even with all of this, the month of June has been designated as Black Music Month.
The Black Music Month campaign was spearheaded by Kenny Gamble. Gamble makes up one half of the legendary songwriting and production team Gamble and Huff who are responsible for the hits that make up TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia) such as “If You Don’t Know Me By Now”, “Back Stabbers” and “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now”. And after all was said and done, in June of 1979, President Jimmy Carter agreed with Mr. Gamble and designated June as Black Music Month.
This tradition of our American Presidents designating the month of June as Black Music Month has continued ever since.
Can you imagine music today, without the contributions and innovations that have come from African Americans? Can you imagine American music with no Jazz, no Blues, no R&B, Gospel and yes even no Rap? While some may be able to do without Rap music, there is no doubt in my mind that music as whole would be at a loss if it weren’t for these contributions.
Since just about every genre of music has been influenced by the music and traditions of our African forefathers, what can you do in recognition of Black Music Month? Here is what I suggest. Buy, notice I said Buy not Burn one piece of music from a genre that you normally don’t listen to. Are you and R&B fan, but never really listened to or own a jazz album? Buy one of the classic jazz recordings –like the Sketches of Spain by Miles Davis. Or you can buy a compilation recording in jazz, or blues and yes even rap to deepen your music appreciation and also get some really good music in your collection. Don’t limit yourself.
Enjoy the gift that our ancestors have given this thing we call music.
June is Black music month. You betta recognize!
June is Black music month. You betta recognize!
Until next time,
Peace.
Peace.
KC
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posted by K C at 3:02 AM
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