
Listen to Cumulus Media stations Q106.5, Max 94.1 and Heaven 95.7/1460 AM in Baton Rouge all month to celebrate Black music, the soundtrack of community and culture.
Black Music Month is celebrated every June in the United States to honor the profound influence and contributions of Black musicians, composers, and artists to American and global music culture. The celebration was first initiated in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter, who recognized the need to acknowledge the rich legacy of African American music, from spirituals and gospel to jazz, blues, R&B, hip-hop, and beyond. This month serves as a time to reflect on how Black music has shaped the cultural, social, and political landscape of the nation.
The roots of Black music in America trace back to a form of resistance, communication, and spiritual sustenance. Over time, these musical traditions evolved into distinct genres that not only expressed the struggles and triumphs of Black communities but also laid the foundation for much of American popular music. Artists like Louis Armstrong, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, and Tupac Shakur are just a few of the many who have used their voices and talents to inspire change and foster unity through music.
Black Music Month in Baton Rouge is sponsored by Cumulus Media and MJR Friendly Funeral Home, McDonald’s, Locke Meredith Sean Fagan & Associates Attorneys, Max Quality Auto and Hancock Whitney.