June is the month we celebrate and recognize the contribution of Black musicians, composers and innovators in the field of American Music. Black music is varied and diverse. It is the foundation for much of the popular music of each decade from spirituals to rap to rock and roll.  Here you will find links to the history of black music, books and biographies of the movers and shakers of the industry, and some websites with music samples. You might just discover a new favorite, or enjoy an old one.

These links will take you to our digital catalog with suggestions of just some of the e-books we have available:

•  Kill ‘Em &Leave Searching for James Brown and the American Soul by James McBride
• Beyond the Crossroads The Devil &the Blues Tradition New Directions in Southern Studies by Adam Gussow
• Happy! by Pharrell Williams
• Solo by Kwame Alexander/ Mary Rand Hess

• Keep On Pushing Black Power Music from Blues to Hip-hop by Denise Sullivan
• A Sick Life TLC ‘n Me: Stories from On and Off the Stage by Tionne Watkins
• The Jazz Palace A Novel by Mary Morris
• Rhythm and the Blues A Life in American Music by Jerry Wexler
• Q The Autobiography of Quincy Jones by Quincy Jones

• Sophisticated Giant The Life and Legacy of Dexter Gordon by Maxine Gordon

These websites provide samples of music and information on Black Music Month:

•  Free Music Archive
• National Museum of African American Music Black Music Month
• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Aretha Franklin Spotlight

• How The Recording Academy Is Making Significant Strides Toward Diversity & Inclusion
• Castle Skins Black Music Resouces

Some great You Tube videos:

• Fats Waller  Ain’t Misbehavin’ Stormy Weather (1943)  Youtube.com
• CAB CALLOWAY  Minnie the moocher (The Blues Brothers 1980)  Youtube.com

• The Best Jazz Songs of All Time | 50 Unforgettable Jazz Classics Youtube.com
• Boogie Woogie Greats  The Best of Boogie Woogie  Youtube.com
• Peace Be Still Gospel Legends Volume 3 -soloists Paul Porter, Carolyn Taylor  Youtube.com
• Lee Williams  Jesus Will Fix It (Trouble In My Way)  Youtube.com
• Whitney Houston, CeCe Winans & Shirley Caesar – Count On Me / Heaven (Live) Youtube.com

• Blues, Classic Soul, R&B & Southern Soul Mix!! Youtube.com
• 90’s Hip Hop Mix #01 | Best of Old School Rap Songs | Throwback Rap Classics | Westcoast | Eastcoast  (Caution: May Contain Adult Language) Youtube.com