American music is highly inspired

Black music goes back from generation to generation and is still amazing till this day. Black music is the soul of black people. Black music has been a light for black people when times were hard back then and even now people love it because it just gives them a good feeling.

According to nmaahc.si.edu,  “June is African-American Music Appreciation Month! Created by President Jimmy Carter in 1979, this month celebrates the African American musical influences that comprise an essential part of our nation’s treasured cultural heritage.

Formerly called National Black Music Month, this celebration of African American musical contributions is re-established annually by presidential proclamation. Though by no means exhaustive, we’ve prepared a primer that will guide you through some of the different genres that African Americans have created, inspired and fostered.”

The idea of Black music or African-American music is as diverse as the culture. There are several different types of music that fit the categories.

Sacred Music, like spirituals and gospel music, are some of the earliest types of African-American music, starting in slave time and sharing traditional values from generation to generation, orally through music.

Folk Music also connects to slave times when African-Americans improved their work and play with chants and game songs. According to nmaahc.si.edu,  folk music is reflected in modern times with the protest songs of the 1960s, and in hip-hop today.

The Blues were part of the songs that reflected the regions and the wealth of the creators of that music.

Military Music is another way that African-Americans have contributed to music since the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and moving on through World War II, where they developed drum rhythms and chants that helped entertain the troops for whom they served.

“Jazz evolved from ragtime, an American style of syncopated instrumental music. Jazz first materialized in New Orleans and is often distinguished by African American musical innovation,” nmaahc.si.edu, Jazz continues to be driven by African-American styles.

Rhythm and Blues is considered the style that came before soul. “Today’s iteration of the genre has assimilated soul and funk characteristics (nmaahc.si.edu).

The impact of Rock and Roll is also attributed to African-American musicians, influencing both pop and country music

Hip-Hop and Rap are more modern versions connected with African-American music and there are several representatives that are popular today.

African-American Music Appreciation Month is really all American Music Appreciation Month because all genres have had representation from the African-American community and anyone can spend time showing their appreciation by introducing new styles to their listening opportunities and sharing their favorites with others.