There are many joys to commemorate in June. From Father's Day celebrations; to the end of the school year; to Black Music Month; to Juneteenth.
As such, June remains one of my favorite months of the year. There is so much to explore, so much to do, so much to learn.
Today's post honors one topical aspect that is near and dear to my heart: Black music. Truth is, most of my days start off with some form of music. Though not necessarily Black music.
HOW DO YOU DEFINE BLACK MUSIC?...
When many folks think of "Black" music they typically associate it with Gangsta' rap lyrics; or songs that are loud and salacious; promoting a political agenda; or with a bodacious beat you can dance to. (Insert snapping fingers here.) And though this may apply to some songs and performers, Black music is much more.
Black music embodies all the hues and colors of a rainbow. It is storied. It is moving. It speaks a universal language. It reflects a myriad of styles, approaches, and techniques. Not to mention, a testament to the incredible talent and ingenuity of people of color. Many Black artists in fact, are self-taught. For example, Prince and Louis Armstrong.
THE HISTORY OF BLACK MUSIC MONTH
According to Nationaltoday.com: "The United States has been celebrating Black Music Month in June since 1979. The month of June is set aside to appreciate the contributions of African-American musicians, composers, singers, and songwriters in American culture. The month honors the history and rich African traditions that gave birth to different styles of music such as rap, hip-hop, jazz, rhythm and blues, barbershop, and swing. It is also the month to celebrate creative inspiration and appreciate the impact that African-American music has had on generations of performers and music lovers!"
JEN'S SPIN...
Though my love of music ranges from Beethoven to Billy Joel...and beyond, I am particularly fond of Jazz Music. Here are a few artists and arrangements I recommend, that I believe you'll enjoy for Black Music Month and many months ahead.
BLACK VIOLIN
Is an American hip hop duo from Florida, with a unique sound. They often fuse hip hop with Jazz and classical music. They are classically trained.
Here is one of my favorite songs that they perform on YouTube (titled Freestyle). Check it out
here:
DAMIEN ESCOBAR
Is a versatile, soulful, dynamic dude. He is an American violinist whose genres span a spectrum of styles: classical, jazz, pop, R&B, hip hop.
His song, (A Winter Night in Boston) is so beautiful and moving that it evokes an array of emotions. But don't just take my word for it. Listen and let me know in the comments.
Tune in here:
IN CONCLUSION
My personal music playlist contains many, many songs and sounds that I think you would definitely dig and likely add to your own "favorites" playlist. But in the spirit of efficiency and practicality, I'll save that for another day, perhaps.
Wishing you a Happy Black Music Month and a sensational summer!
Thoughts? Who is your favorite Black/African-American musical artist?
NOTE: PEN & PROSPER WILL BE ON AN INDEFINITE HIATUS...
Image credits: Pixabay.com
Readers,
ReplyDeleteI just noticed that I neglected to include the site link for the musical artist Damien Escobar. Here it is:https://dameesco.com/home/
So many wonderful artists, and I love the way you stated it - “embodies all the hues and colors of a rainbow.” True words!
ReplyDeleteSome of my favorites reflect specific decades of my life (like in high school, Lionel Richie), and others embrace longer stretches, like Cece Winans. Many of her latest songs are the kind the volume goes full up when she makes an appearance on my Pandora playlist.
Enjoy your summer, dear friend, and have a lovely birthday!
Hi Karen,
Deleteyou've got good taste! I too enjoy Lionel and Cece. Her version of "Blessed Assurance" is beautiful, simply beautiful. Thanks so much for taking time to weigh in. And thanks for your warm thoughts across the miles.