For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
June 22, 2004
Black Music Month, 2004
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
The creativity and variety of African-American composers, singers,
and musicians have shaped America's artistic and cultural landscape.
During Black Music Month, we celebrate and honor the extraordinary
impact of African-American music on our Nation's musical heritage.
The artistry of black musicians changes as each generation brings
new talent and trends. Yet, there is a continuous theme. From the
profound spirituality of African indigenous faith that influenced
gospel, through the development of blues and jazz, to the emergence of
rhythm and blues and rock and roll, we hear the richness of the
African-American experience, past and present.
The earliest African-American music echoed the struggle of the
oppressed, the trust of the faithful, and the endurance of the weary.
We hear the voice of hope in work songs, hymns, psalms, and
spirituals. The musical expression that captured the struggle for
freedom and equality formed the foundation for gospel, blues, and
jazz. African-American churchgoers transformed early spirituals into
gospel music, giving voice to praises that still move listeners today.
In the early 20th century, performers like Ida Cox and Tommy Johnson
gave life to the improvised performances and style of the blues. As
artists migrated to cities, the blues developed into an urban
phenomenon and evolved into a major force in contemporary music.
During the same period, early pioneers such as Duke Ellington and
Jelly Roll Morton were merging African musical roots with popular and
church music to create a distinctively American sound: jazz. Songs
first played in clubs in New Orleans, Memphis, and Chicago are now
recognized and loved around the world. As jazz has expanded beyond its
acoustic roots, African-American dreams, hopes, and joys have remained
at the music's core.
The brilliance of new musical expressions emerged with rhythm and
blues in the 1940s and rock and roll in the 1950s. Songs from great
artists performing today embody the enduring appeal of this music. As
black music continues to bring enjoyment to us all, the commemoration
of this month expresses our Nation's recognition of its influence and
our pride in its legacy.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, 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 2004 as Black
Music Month. I encourage all Americans to learn more about the history
of black music and to enjoy the great contributions of African-American
musicians.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second
day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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