Celebrating Black Music at the White House

Posted in News on July 15, 2001

BMI's Fred Cannon joined in the celebrations at the White House honoring Black Music Month held June 29 in the East Room. As host of the event, President George Bush made a proclamation officially decreeing June 2001 as Black Music Month. Bush encouraged all Americans to embrace the rich musical heritage that reflects the diversity of our people, stating that much of the origin of African-American music reflects our national story. He added that most of the work songs, shouts and hollers, spirituals, and ragtime of an earlier era laid the creative foundation for many of America' s most distinctive and popular musical genres including rhythm and blues, jazz, hip-hop, gospel, rap, and the roots of rock and roll.



Seen here celebrating Black Music Month are (l-r): Chris Hennick, Special Advisor to President Bush; BMI songwriter Isaac Hayes; and BMI's Fred Cannon

BMI's Fred Cannon (right) is feeling good with BMI songwriter James Brown and Congressman Bob Clement (D-TN)

SOURCENews TAGS R&B / Hip-Hop Rock Advocacy James Brown Isaac Hayes The Roots