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. During African-American Music Appreciation Month, we honor the rich musical traditions of African-American musicians and their gifts to our country and our world.
From the cadenced hums of spirituals to the melodies of rhythm and blues, African-American music has been used to communicate, to challenge, to praise, and to uplift in times of both despair and triumph. The rhythmic chords embedded in spirituals have long expressed a deep faith in the power of prayer, and brought hope to slaves toiling in fields. The soulfulness of jazz and storytelling in the blues inspired a cultural renaissance, while the potent words of gospel gave strength to a generation that rose above the din of hatred to move our country toward justice and equality for all.
Today, African-American musicians continue to create new musical genres and transform the scope of traditional musical formats. The artistic depth of soul, rock and roll, and hip-hop not only bring together people across our Nation, but also energize and shape the creativity of artists around the world. The contributions of African-American composers and musicians to symphony, opera, choral music, and musical theater continue to reach new audiences and encourage listeners to celebrate fresh interpretations of these and other genres.
In cherished songs passed down through generations and innovative musical fusions crafted today, African-American music continues to transcend time, place, and circumstance to provide a source of pride and inspiration for all who hear its harmonies. This month, we celebrate the legacy of African-American music and its enduring power to bring life to the narrative of our Nation.
President Obama announced yesterday that June will be African-American Music Appreciation Month. In Tuesday’s proclamation he wrote, “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.” Read the entire proclamation after the jump.
- Coachella is doubling-up next year. Organizers behind the mega-festival in Indio, California have announced plans for two identical Coachellas held on two consecutive weekends next year. Per the festival’s Web site, “That means same lineup, same art, same place, different people.”
- Lady Gaga went platinum after all. Thanks to digital sales — which got a huge bump from Amazon’s much-publicized 99 cent deal — “Born This Way” has moved 1.1 million units, setting a digital sales record with 662,000 digital sales. Meanwhile, the album remains boring.
- Legendary hip-hop journalist Greg Tate has written a must-read appreciation of the late Gil Scott-Heron for the Village Voice. Read it.
- In Saturday’s Washington Post, we had an exclusive feature about Bluebrain’s magical new album-app “The National Mall.” On Monday, NPR aired a cool piece about it, too.
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