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June 1 marks the beginning of African-American Music Appreciation Month, an annual celebration of the immense contributions African-Americans have made to music throughout history. From jazz and blues to hip hop and soul, African-American musicians have shaped the soundscape of our lives in so many ways. This month is a time to reflect on the rich heritage of music created by African-Americans, as well as celebrate its continuing influence on popular culture today. So turn up the volume and get ready to dance!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1630s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>African Music in America</div><div class='timeline-text'>African slaves bring their native musical styles, rhythms, and instruments to America, marking the early influence of African music in the country.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Blues and Gospel Emergence</div><div class='timeline-text'>The 1800s see the emergence of blues and gospel music, both rooted in African-American tradition and deeply influenced by the experience of slavery and the African-American church.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1920s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Jazz Age</div><div class='timeline-text'>The 1920s, also known as the Jazz Age, popularized jazz music, which has its roots in African and African American communities in New Orleans.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1950s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rock and Roll & Soul Music</div><div class='timeline-text'>The mid-20th century gave birth to rock and roll and soul music, which were both heavily influenced by gospel, blues, and rhythm and blues.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1970s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Hip Hop Origins</div><div class='timeline-text'>Hip hop music originated in African-American and Latinx communities in the Bronx in the 1970s, including rapping, breakdancing, and graffiti writing.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2009</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>African-American Music Appreciation Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>President Barack Obama officially proclaims June as African-American Music Appreciation Month as a period to appreciate the song of freedom that is embedded in the heart of our nation.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Listen to your favorite African-American artists</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to sit back and enjoy some of the amazing music created by African-American artists. Whether it's gospel, jazz, soul, hip hop, or rap, there is something out there for everyone.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a live music show</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find a local show featuring African-American musicians and go out and enjoy the music! It's a great way to support the local scene and enjoy some amazing music.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Start a music club with friends</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather up some friends and start a music appreciation club. Listen to some different artists' music and talk about why you like or don't like them. It's a great way to learn more about music.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a themed playlist</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Create a themed playlist of African American music and share it with your friends. It's a great way to get others into the music and appreciate the wide range of styles that have been created by African American artists.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Read about African American Music</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to read up on African American Music History and learn about the struggles and successes of many African American musicians throughout history.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>African-American music is an important part of our culture</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>African-American music has shaped much of the modern music we listen to today. A large part of jazz, blues, rap, rock and even country owes its roots to African-American artists such as Louis Armstrong, Aretha Franklin and James Brown. Celebrating their contributions helps us recognize the importance of their art in our history and culture.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>African-American music is a powerful form of expression</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Not only is African-American music enjoyable to listen to, but it can also be a powerful force for political and social change. Throughout history, African American musicians have used their talents to bring attention to important issues such as racism and inequality. By honoring this special month we are able to learn more about their struggles and triumphs.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>African-American Music Appreciation Month celebrates diversity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Celebrating African-American music appreciation month reminds us that everyone is unique and that we should all be proud of our heritage. It is a way to honor the many cultures and backgrounds that make up our great country, while also recognizing the power of music in uniting us all.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>"The Queen of Soul" was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame</h3><p class='facts-content'>Aretha Franklin, known for her influential contributions to soul music, was the first female artist inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, further illustrating the significant impact of African-American songstresses in music history.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The birth of Hip Hop arose from a house party in the Bronx</h3><p class='facts-content'>In 1973, DJ Kool Herc, an African-American musician, spun records at a house party in the Bronx. This technique led to the birth of hip hop, a genre that has deeply influenced global culture.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Mississippi Blues gave birth to Rock and Roll</h3><p class='facts-content'>The blues, originally born out of African-American work songs and spirituals in Mississippi, significantly influenced modern rock and roll. Pioneers like BB King and Muddy Waters paved the path for future rock artists.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Miles Davis merged two unlikely genres</h3><p class='facts-content'>Legendary jazz musician Miles Davis changed the face of jazz in the late 1960s by fusing it with rock music, resulting in jazz fusion, demonstrating the innovative potential of African-American musicians.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Sister Rosetta Tharpe was the "Godmother of Rock and Roll"</h3><p class='facts-content'>Gospel singer and guitarist Sister Rosetta Tharpe, who started recording in the 1930s, influenced many iconic rock artists. Her groundbreaking style earned her the posthumous title "the Godmother of Rock and Roll".</p></div></div>
African-American Music Appreciation Month is celebrated on June 1 every year. In 2024 African-American Music Appreciation Month will occur on a Saturday.
2023
Jun 1
Thursday
2024
Jun 1
Saturday
2025
Jun 1
Sunday
2026
Jun 1
Monday
2027
Jun 1
Tuesday
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