THE OTHER SIDE OF BLACK MUSIC MONTH
We Usually Celebrate Our Groundbreaking and Game-changing Black Artists in June. This Year, I Encourage Turning Towards the People Who Created the Culture and Shaped the Business
I love #BlackMusicMonth, for obvious reasons as a music and culture lover and writer. The 40th Anniversary of Black Music Month, however, deserves a little extra somethin’ on it.
The idea of a month-long celebration of black music’s contributions to American culture wasn’t just about historic observation and celebration; it was about the business of black music, which was growing at a rapid pace in the ’70s.
I wrote for Vibe about Philadelphia Soul architect Kenny Gamble and a consortium called the Black Music Association’s mission to make everyone understand that “Black Music is Green.”
Next, I implore you to make your way to Netflix — if you haven’t already — and watch the incredible Reggie Hudlin doc on behind the scenes move-maker and connector Clarence Avant. The Black Godfather isn’t just a documentary about an entertainment executive, it’s about the power of relationships.
#MusicSermon celebrates black music all day, e’ry day (don’t forget to check out our #30DayMusicChallege on twitter and IG), but these are the stories behind the stories behind the stories. Dive in!
