2012 African-American Music Appreciation Month

The tradition continues starting on June 1 of loving and appreciating our music in all its various forms and the people who helped raise it to new heights

Thanks to music super producer Kenny Gamble convincing President Jimmy Carter to issue the first presidential proclamation declaring June as then Black Music Month, we have celebrated it every year since 1979.


We've already lost two musical icons this year in Don Cornelius and Donna Summer and it's not too far from my mind that many of our iconic music stars are in their 50's, 60's and 70's age wise.

But the one thing that stays the same regardless of the various forms of Black music is its power to motivate, inspire and entertain us. 

It was the beat that we marched to to gain our human rights coverage.  It soothed our sorrows and stirred our souls on Sunday mornings  .It is the soundtrack of our lives in which hearing a particular song can trigger a flood of positive memories. It inspires our athletes at all levers to achieve greatness

It is the heart and soul of a mighty people.

Whether it's gospel, hip hop, rap, neo-soul, R&B, opera, disco, Afro-punk, country, house, rock and roll or jazz, we've not only had a role in taking them to greater musical heights through our creativity and talent, some of those genres we created for the world to enjoy.   

So happy African-American Music Appreciation month.

2012 African-American Music Appreciation Month Proclamation

AFRICAN-AMERICAN MUSIC APPRECIATION MONTH, 2012
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

As a long-cherished piece of American culture, music offers a vibrant soundtrack to the story of our people and our Union. At times when words alone could not bring us together, we have found in melodies and choruses the universal truths of our shared humanity. African-American musicians have left an indelible mark on this tradition, and during African-American Music Appreciation Month, we pay special tribute to their extraordinary contributions.

Generations of African Americans have used music to share joy and pain, triumph and sorrow. Spiritual hymns gave hope to those laboring under the unrelenting cruelty of slavery, while gospel-inspired freedom songs sustained a movement for justice and equality for all. The smooth sounds of jazz and the soulful strain of the blues fed a renaissance in art and prose. The rhythm and blues that began in a basement in Detroit brought people together when laws would have kept them apart, while the urban beats and young wordsmiths from cities coast-to-coast gave voice to a new generation. And on stages and in concert halls around the world, African-American singers and composers have enhanced opera, symphony, and classical music by bringing energy and creativity to traditional genres.

At its core, African-American music mirrors the narrative of its original creators -- born of humble beginnings and raised to refuse the limitations and circumstances of its birth. This month, we honor the African-American musicians, composers, singers, and songwriters who have forever shaped our musical heritage, and celebrate those who carry this rich legacy forward.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2012 as African-American Music Appreciation Month. I call upon public officials, educators, and all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate activities and programs that raise awareness and foster appreciation of music that is composed, arranged, or performed by African Americans.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth
.

BARACK OBAMA

2011 African-American Music Appreciation Month Proclamation

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION


     The music of our Nation has always spoken to the condition of our people and reflected the diversity of our Union. African-American musicians, composers, singers, and songwriters have made enormous contributions to our culture by capturing the hardships and aspirations of a community and reminding us of our shared values. During African-American Music Appreciation Month, we honor the rich musical traditions of African-American musicians and their gifts to our country and our world.

     From the cadenced hums of spirituals to the melodies of rhythm and blues, African-American music has been used to communicate, to challenge, to praise, and to uplift in times of both despair and triumph. The rhythmic chords embedded in spirituals have long expressed a deep faith in the power of prayer, and brought hope to slaves toiling in fields. The soulfulness of jazz and storytelling in the blues inspired a cultural renaissance, while the potent words of gospel gave strength to a generation that rose above the din of hatred to move our country toward justice and equality for all.

     Today, African-American musicians continue to create new musical genres and transform the scope of traditional musical formats. The artistic depth of soul, rock and roll, and hip-hop not only bring together people across our Nation, but also energize and shape the creativity of artists around the world. The contributions of African-American composers and musicians to symphony, opera, choral music, and musical theater continue to reach new audiences and encourage listeners to celebrate fresh interpretations of these and other genres.

     In cherished songs passed down through generations and innovative musical fusions crafted today, African-American music continues to transcend time, place, and circumstance to provide a source of pride and inspiration for all who hear its harmonies. This month, we celebrate the legacy of African-American music and its enduring power to bring life to the narrative of our Nation.

     NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2011 as African-American Music Appreciation Month. I call upon public officials, educators, and all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate activities and programs that raise awareness and foster appreciation of music which is composed, arranged, or performed by African Americans.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

BARACK OBAMA

Tona's OUTMUSIC Awards Interview

I recently posted the press release concerning the upcoming OUTMUSIC awards happening in New York on the 23rd.  I was delighted to find out that the multitalented Tona Brown and her ensemble will be performing during that event and she graciously consented to do an interview with the TransGriot about it.

TransGriot: How excited are you to not only be performing but representing the trans community at this event?

I am elated and deeply honored to be representing the trans community at the 7th Annual Outmusic Awards on May 23rd at Irving Plaza in NYC. To perform in any capacity as an "out" artist is immensely gratifying because one can be their authentic self. I would like to show young African American trans people that you can succeed and achieve all of your dreams with hard work and perseverance.

As things stand today in the music industry there is still a fear of coming "out" and for good reason. Many artists face losing major endorsements, recording contracts and deals, a decreased volume of concert appearances and record sales, having their names put in tabloids, newspapers, and TV as a joke or scandal and/ or living with the fear of being physically and emotionally harmed.

Although I realized that it would take me longer to get to where I wanted to go as an "out" musician I knew it was the only option for me. I must be true to myself first so that my audience can appreciate who I am.

Lastly, by hiding in the "closet" there is a subliminal message of being ashamed of who you are that one sends to society. I am far from ashamed to represent the transgendered community and to show the world that we are a talented, educated, beautiful and relevant population that deserves the same rights and opportunities as any other group of people.

TransGriot: Transpeople have been making the point that we can excel in any musical genre. Do you think being classical trained is making the same type of societal statement? 

I can not agree more that trans people are ideal for the fine and performing arts in fact if you look at any music video, attend any concert or go to any fashion show often times you will see just how much the trans community has influenced the arts.

What I find appalling is how we as trans people are used by the music industry to help mainstream artists become more successful but we are never given the credit for doing so. Trans people are "allowed" to be the make-up artists, choreographers, hairstylists, background singers and songwriters, stylists, stage personnel, vocal coaches and teach the celebrities how to have personality and pizazz on the main stage. However we are not allowed the opportunity to pursue our dreams to be in the front of the stage or to pursue a solo career.

As a transgendered artist you are just supposed to understand that society is "not ready for a transgendered super star yet" or understand that the industry is too homophobic so therefore your job is to help someone else become a super star.

Transgendered artists are no longer doing that. We have helped long enough it is time for us to showcase our talents for the world to see and for the world make their own decisions regarding who they will support.

TransGriot: What has it been like working for the Outmusic Team?

Working for the Outmusic team has definitely been an "eye opener" for me because I have learned just how much the LGBT community does not support its own artists. The LGBT community will pay for artists outside of the community to come to LGBT prides and events before they will pay for someone that is already in the community and "out". This is a huge problem because if we as LGBT people cannot come back and receive support from our own community for our recording projects, tours and performances then we stand no chance in having a future.

I remember "coming out" nationally in 2005 or 2006 and thinking that there would be a lot of calls from LGBT affiliated programs that would support my efforts to succeed and found very little support. In fact, I got more support from the heterosexual community then I did from the LGBT community.

Now in 2011 I am working with LARA (LGBT Academy of Recording Arts) foundation the organization that founded the Outmusic Awards in an effort to bring attention to LGBT artists that are working hard to provide the best in music for our community. Its time to see LGBT super stars that did not have to "hide" first then come "out" or be found out through scandal to succeed.

We must first look within the LGBT community and ask ourselves why do we support homophobic artists and record labels? Why don't we demand our large pride organizations to seek talented LGBT artists for our parades and functions! News Flash America We ARE OUT THERE!

I also realized that there just simply was not enough information on record to find these artists and that is why the Outmusic Awards are so important. I feel that with the right support these awards will be the beginning of change. We will finally have something similar to the "Emmy's" or "Grammy's" but for LGBT artists. Our community can see what LGBT artists are doing around the world and support those artists and applaud them for being strong and fighting for Equality in the Music Industry.

I am also working hard on my own recording project this summer to share with the world and writing a memoir about my life experiences thus far. Of course TransGriot will be updated on the release of each project!

TransGriot:.What do you think will be the long term and short benefits of working closely with LARA/ Outmusic?

The long term benefits of working closely with LARA and Outmusic is having an equal platform to be seen and to perform. Our Executive Director Dierdre Meredith understands that trans people are not getting the opportunities that we deserve. Which is why she asked me to perform the first classical music performance to be included on the show in the history of the Outmusic Awards.

I jokingly call her the "mother" of LGBT Equality in the Music Industry because she is very passionate about equality for all! Ms. Meredith and members of the Board of Directors and Advisors are fighting to make sure that transgendered individuals get the same opportunities as everyone else. I have listened to her question various publications and labels as to why they do not have any transgendered representation on their boards, in magazines, on the radio etc. I am very proud to be on the National Advisory Board for this organization and feel that LARA is an ally for the transgendered community.

TransGriot:. Any hints on what we can expect to see from you performance wise for those that cannot attend the Awards?

I am very pleased to announce that I will be performing solo accompanied by "The Aida String" ensemble in a performance of the Presto movement from the "Summer" concerto of Antonio Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons". This movement is a work of virtuosic intensity and fireworks depicting a musical thunder storm. Vivaldi was very meticulous in his description of each movement to help the performers understand what feelings to project and to help tell a story with his music. Many of you have heard some of the fast scales in commercials and as sound bites on television and in cartoons!

Ironically this piece is one of the first pieces I ever listened to as a young person growing up and falling in love with the violin. What an honor it is to perform this work for the community! I'm very excited to perform this work with such a talented group of musicians!

I Love The 70's Music

While I'm a huge fan of current R&B artists such as Alicia Keys, John Legend, Chrisette Michele, Beyonce, Jill Scott and others, my real musical passion lies with the music and artists of the 70's.

I am a Funkateer who possesses a Doctorate in Funkology, and love all things musically about the 70's.

Yes, that includes disco, and no disco didn't suck.

If you get the opportunity to peruse my massive CD collection (no I haven't broken down and bought an iPod yet and I still DJ from time to time) you'd find all things Parliament-Funkadelic and Bootsy's Rubber Band in it.

You'd also discover Stevie Wonder, The Jackson Five, Minnie Riperton, The Brothers Johnson, The Isley Brothers, The Bar-Kays, Cameo, Patrice Rushen, Prince, Donna Summer, Chic, Earth, Wind & Fire, War, Graham Central Station, Sly and The Family Stone, Natalie Cole, The O'Jays, Teddy Pendergrass, Angela Bofill, Phyllis Hyman...

Shall I continue?



Let's put it this way, If I were DJing a 70's themed party, I would have enough music on hand to go four hours without repeating a song.

To me, the 70's were just an unparalleled explosion of quality music. It was packed with cutting edge innovative musicians, powerhouse bands, legendary male and female singers, and unabashed musical creativity which those of us who were fortunate enough to witness it lament we'll probably never see again in our lifetimes.

And some of those artists, like Patrice Rushen and the late Michael Jackson went on to make more groundbreaking musical history or branch out to do movies, television and Broadway shows like the late Phyllis Hyman did.

I hope that some young musical prodigy somewhere proves me wrong, but the current state of the music industry combined with lack of music education in public schools doesn't leave me much hope that I'll be seeing the next Stevie Wonder or Minnie Riperton in my lifetime.

But a girl can dream can't she?

In the interim, time to pull out some of that great music I own and get busy with my next post. Time to play 'Aqua Boogie' and see if I remember how to spell psychoalphadiscobetabioaquadoloop correctly.

What Was My First Concert?

June marks the 30th anniversary observance of Black Music Month, and I haven't had much discussion about it thanks to various higher profile breaking news stories.

I planned at the beginning of the month to talk about some of my fave groups, concerts I've attended and and why the American music scene owes a major creative debt to its African descended people.

So I'm going to make up for lost time and dedicate some posts until the end of the month to doing just that.

Y'all know my teen years were spent in the 70's. Thanks to Dad I got to attend a long list of great concerts and see some slammin' groups and artists back in the day.

My first concert experience happened during the summer of 1976. The Summit (later Compaq Center) had only been open a year and was several decades from becoming Lakewood Church's new sanctuary.

The group that my dad was taking me and my brother to see? WAR

The best part about this show was I got to see it from the comfort of the sky boxes with the staff of the radio station.

I got my grub on, had a bottomless soda cup and had the option of either watching the concert from nice comfortable seats or watch the closed circuit TV feed of the show.



The first one I attended without the parental units tagging along was one headlined by Bootsy's Rubber Band in 1976. I had floor seats 20 rows from the stage for this one. I also saw Bootsy in 1978 during his Player Of The Year Tour.



When I showed up for school that Monday wearing my Bootsy concert t-shirt, I opened my big mouth and accidentally let it slip I had a extra ticket that ended up going to waste.

Half the girls at JJ (and some of my homies as well) were pissed at me for a week.

In my defense, I did get those tickets last minute, and several peeps I called weren't home. Most of the time I didn't get those comp tickets until several hours before the show or I'd come home and the tickets were lying on my bed.



It seemed like during that era in the 70's and 80's, every time I turned around there were great shows to attend. Don't even get me started on the Budweiser Superfests and Kool Jazz Festivals stadium tours devoid of jazz artists, but full of great R&B ones.

But it's the first ones you attend that are the most memorable.

Unless something crazy happens.

Black Music Month 2009

June is designated as Black Music Month in the States, and this year marks the 30th anniversary of the initial event.

Kenny Gamble of the hit making R&B songwriting-production duo of Gamble & Leon Huff encouraged former President Jimmy Carter in 1979 to officially designate June as a time to acknowledge the contributions Blacks musicians have made to the art form.

Ever since then every president has issued a proclamation to commemorate it.

As someone to whom Black music kept a roof over her head, food on the table, put clothes on her back and sent her to college, I have a deep appreciation for my peeps music and the history that is intertwined with it.

My tastes run across the spectrum of R&B from P-funk to jazz, but much of my music collection has a definite 70's-80's-90's slant.

Black music is constantly evolving. It's creative and unafraid to experiment and innovate. We have see it from jazz to gospel to Motown to hip-hop, but at the same time pays tremendous respect to the pioneers on whose giant shoulders it stands.

It is the expressions of a mighty people, and this month we pay homage to it.

Happy 50th Birthday Prince

Today is the 50th birthday of Prince Rogers Nelson, aka His Royal Badness, or simply Prince.

Next to Parliament-Funkadelic, he helped define music for my generation and was another one of those artist's records that I didn't leave behind if I was DJing a party.

I go way back in terms of my love affair with His Royal Badness. He broke onto the scene when I was a high school junior. I didn't miss a Prince concert whenever he hit town. When Purple Rain came out my brother Kevin and I were standing in line with the other Prince fans wearing our 1999 concert T-shirts waiting to get into the theater to see it. I missed class in order to be on the phones to buy tickets when the Purple Rain tour tickets for his Houston performance went on sale.

So yeah, I'm a huge fan.

Happy 50th birthday Prince. May you have many more and keep putting out that music we all love so much.

Thriller...25 Years Later

On November 30, 1982 an album was released that would make Michaal Jackson an international superstar and break ground on so many levels.

That Quincy Jones produced album was called Thriller. It was Michael Jackson's sixth album, and boy was it a monster. 104 million copies sold worldwide. It spent 80 weeks in the Billboard Top Ten Chart, spent 37 weeks total at the number one spot and 17 of those weeks were consecutive. It was the first album to spawn seven Billboard Top 10 singles (the others are Springsteen's Born in the USA and his sister Janet's Rhythm Nation 1814) and the only album to be the top seller in the United States for two consecutive years (1983-84).

It also spawned videos that forced MTV to break their embargo on African-American artists and reintroduced African-American artists to mainstream pop radio stations for the first time since the 70's.

In 1984 Jackson won a ton of awards thanks to Thriller. He was nominated for 12 Grammys and won eight. Seven were for Thriller including the Best Album of the Year, the eighth was for the ET Terrestrial Storybook. He also took home eight American Music Awards and three MTV Video Music Awards.

Thriller is ranked #20 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time and in 1989 was rated #7 on their list of the 100 greatest albums of the 1980s.

I agree, that album was the bomb on so many levels. Twenty five years later I'm still jamming to it.