Every year during the month of June, music enthusiasts and professionals celebrate the contributions, legacies and icons of Black music’s past, present, and future. Black Music Month began in 1979 when Kenny Gamble, Ed Wright, and Dyana Williams developed the idea to set aside a month dedicated to celebrating the impact of Black music. Created by music business insiders, the group successfully lobbied President Jimmy Carter to host a reception on June 7, 1979 to formally recognize the cultural and financial contributions of Black music. Since 1797, Black Music Month has grown from a small commemoration to national proportions with events held annually across the country.
Last week, President Joe Biden issued a proclamation for Black Music Month 2024. President Biden reminds us that, “Black music is a staple of American art and a powerhouse of our culture – that is why we must continue to open doors for the next generation of Black artists.”
Dallas has always played a very important part in the history of Black music in our country. Blind
Lemon Jefferson known as the Father of Texas Blues, was one of the most popular blues musicians in the 1920s. Jazz and R&B saxophonist David ‘Fathead’ Newman was known for his many late night recording sessions accompanying icons such as Ray Charles. Gospel icon and 16 Grammy award winner Kirk Franklin introduced American to a new groove in gospel music that crossed over to new platforms sung by both young and old. Dallas is home of the reigning ‘Queen of Neo Soul’ Erykah Badu, who hit the airwaves with her fresh new sound of her first album, Baduizm in 1997, putting her in the forefront of neo soul. Mikey Guyton is now a leading lady on the country charts, who entered the scene in 2020 with her breakout single, “Black Like Me” in the wake of the George Floyd murder. Rapper Yella Beezy is hot as he performs on stages across the country…and even heard on a few sports shows like “Undisputed Live” with Skip Bayless talking about the world of the NBA.
Dallas has made a lasting mark with our Black music legends and continues with our new emerging artists that are now creating new music.
