African-American Music Appreciation Month
Why it matters
MUSIC HERITAGE
African-American Music Appreciation Month is a time to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of African-American music and its impact on American culture
THE STORY
African-American music has a long and storied history, dating back to the early 20th century when jazz and blues emerged as distinct genres. These genres were shaped by the experiences of African-Americans, from the struggles of slavery to the hopes of freedom and equality.
The 1950s and 1960s saw the rise of gospel music, which played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement. Artists such as Mahalia Jackson and Sam Cooke used their music to spread messages of hope and unity, inspiring a generation of activists and musicians.
The 1970s and 1980s saw the emergence of hip-hop and R&B, genres that would go on to shape the sound of popular music in the decades to come. With the rhythmic beats and lyrical flow of hip-hop, artists such as Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five and Run-DMC brought a new level of energy and creativity to the music scene.
Today, African-American music continues to evolve and thrive, with artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé, and Chance the Rapper pushing the boundaries of what is possible. From the soulful sounds of gospel to the futuristic beats of electronic music, African-American music remains a vital part of American culture and a source of inspiration for people around the world.
Music is the universal language, and African-American music is a significant part of that language
WORTH KNOWING
Jazz and Blues
Explore the roots of African-American music
Hip-Hop and R&B
Discover the evolution of African-American music
Gospel Music
Experience the power of gospel music
Music History
Learn about the history of African-American music
AROUND THE WORLD
DID YOU KNOW?!
The First Jazz Recording
The first jazz recording was made in 1917 by the Original Dixieland Jazz Band
The Birth of Hip-Hop
Hip-hop music originated in the 1970s in the Bronx, New York City
The Queen of Soul
Aretha Franklin was known as the Queen of Soul for her powerful voice and soulful music
The King of Blues
B.B. King was known as the King of Blues for his soulful music and iconic guitar playing
The Evolution of R&B
R&B music has evolved over the years, incorporating elements of hip-hop, electronic, and pop music
The Impact of African-American Music
African-American music has had a significant impact on American culture and society
The Future of African-American Music
African-American music continues to evolve, with new artists and genres emerging all the time
READ MORE
The Musician's Guide to Reading and Writing Music
Gary E. Anderson · 2018
A comprehensive guide to music theory and notation
African-American Music: A History
Eileen Southern · 1997
A detailed history of African-American music from its roots to the present day
The Oxford Handbook of Sound and Image in Digital Media
Carol Vernallis · 2013
A collection of essays on the intersection of sound and image in digital media
The Cambridge Companion to Jazz
Mervyn Cooke · 2003
A comprehensive guide to jazz music, including its history, styles, and notable musicians
PAIR IT WITH
A genre of music that originated in the southern United States
A genre of music that originated in the 1970s in New York City
A genre of music that originated in African-American churches
The study of the history and development of music
Celebrate Music
Share your favorite African-American music artists and genres with friends and family to celebrate African-American Music Appreciation Month