For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 31, 2002
Black Music Month, 2002
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
America's diverse and extraordinary musical heritage reflects the
remarkable cultural and artistic history of our Nation. From gospel,
blues, and jazz to rock and roll, rap, and hip-hop, our Nation's
musical landscape offers an astounding array of uniquely American
styles. During Black Music Month, we celebrate a critically important
part of this heritage by highlighting the enduring legacy of African
American musicians, singers, and composers, and urging every American
to appreciate and enjoy the fabulous achievements of this highly
creative community.
Early forms of black American music developed out of the work song,
which had its roots in African tribal chants. Through this music,
slaves shared stories, preserved history, and established a sense of
community. As many African slaves in early America became Christians,
they adapted their music into the songs and life of the church. These
spirituals eventually evolved into a genre that remains vibrant and
very meaningful today -- gospel music. This great musical tradition
developed under the leadership of people like Thomas Dorsey, who was
known as the Father of Gospel Music. He composed many great gospel
songs that have become standards, and he established the tradition of
the gospel music concert.
Following emancipation, African Americans enjoyed unprecedented
opportunities but also faced many new and frequently oppressive
challenges. Frustrations from these struggles for freedom and equality
found expression in a style of music that came to be known as the
blues. Innovative musical geniuses like W.C. Handy, Robert Johnson,
the Reverend Gary Davis, and Mamie Smith were among the legendary
pioneers of blues music.
As blacks migrated throughout the United States in the early 1900s,
they tapped into their collective experience and creativity to develop
new expressions of music. New Orleans became the center for a
particularly American form of music -- jazz. This novel genre combined
unique rhythms and melodies with the sounds of stringed, brass, and
woodwind instruments. Jazz captured the interest of 20th century
America, making household names of great African American artists like
Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald, and Miles Davis. The
unparalleled brilliance of these and other great jazz musicians had an
extraor-dinary effect upon the American musical tradition, while
bringing great pleasure to millions of fans.
In the 1940s, rhythm and blues emerged, synthesizing elements from
gospel, blues, and jazz; and from these styles came the birth of rock
and roll. A fabulous array of artists helped to pioneer this modern
musical transformation, including Chuck Berry, Ray Charles, Marvin
Gaye, Aretha Franklin, and Stevie Wonder.
As we reflect on the rich and distinctive history of so many
talented artists, we celebrate the incredible contributions that black
musicians have made to the history of American music and their
influence on countless forms of music around the world.
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 2002 as Black
Music Month. I call on Americans of all backgrounds to learn more
about the rich heritage of black music and how it has shaped our
culture and our way of life, and urge them to take the opportunity to
enjoy the great musical experiences available through the contributions
of African American music.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first
day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-sixth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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