African American music exemplifies the creative spirit…and is among the most innovative and powerful art the world has ever known…Songs by African American musicians span the breadth of human experience and resonate in every corner…–animating our bodies, stimulating our imaginations and nourishing our souls…
-former President Barack Obama
Proclamation of African American Music Appreciation Month
May 31, 2016
Originally established as as Black Music Month in 1979 by former President Jimmy Carter, African American Music Appreciation month formally recognizes the innovative sounds that African American musicians bring to our ears and the profound influence African American musical art forms have on the world.
In celebration of African American Music Appreciation Month, City Tech Library is pleased to share recordings from its vinyl record collection. The library’s vinyl holdings include many spoken word, poetry, educational, field and folk music recordings in addition to popular and classical music. The library has record players available for anyone who would like to stop by to have a listen.
The display includes highly influential twentieth century artists like Josephine Baker, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Odetta and Bessie Smith. It also features field recordings that document everyday life in Nueva York and powerful songs from the Civil Rights Movement. While these albums were released in the 1950s, 60s and early 70s, the stories they share are timeless and their style and sound continue to shape music today.
Below you’ll find a playlist featuring some of the artists in the library’s vinyl record display. Who are your favorite African American musical artists?
*Images used in the above photo collage were sourced from:
The Library of Congress’ Free to Use and Reuse: Gottleib Jazz Photos Collection and Wikimedia Commons
Nina Simone in 1969 by Gerrit de Bruin
The Supremes in 1967
GAC-General Artists Corporation-IMTI-International Talent Management Inc.
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