June is Black Music Appreciation Month! Initiated by President Jimmy Carter, Black Music Month is an annual celebration of African American music in the United States. It is without question that Black music is the foundation of American music. Behind almost every genre there’s the influence of black artists at the sonic creation point: Blues, jazz, rock, country, and pop. The power of black music is embedded in the heritage of this Country.
In recognition and celebration of Black Music Month, Chicago-based television production company Central City Productions has presented the 2021 Black Music Honors in commemoration of Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated holiday honoring the end of slavery in the United States, which is officially celebrated on June 19th. The evening of celebrations and special moments was pre-taped at the City Winery in Nashville, Tennessee, and televised in national broadcast syndication airing from June 5 to July 4, 2021 and on Saturday, June 19 at 1:00 p.m. EST on Bounce TV.
Emmy® Award-winning talk show host, comedienne and author Loni Love hosted the star-studded two-hour special which honored artists and musicians who have influenced and made significant contributions to American music.
“Now, more than ever, I think it is important to recognize the contributions that Black music has made to the country and the world,” said Loni Love, the host of this year’s Black Music Honors. “I am beyond thrilled to host this exciting, inspiring and entertaining show. See y’all at the show wearing my shiny dresses!”
The honorees for this year’s Black Music Honors includes multiple Grammy® Award-nominated R&B legend Angie Stone tapped to receive the Soul Music Icon Award, Grammy® Award-nominated singer, songwriter and actor Ginuwine will receive the Urban Music Icon Award, multiple Stellar Award-winning and Grammy® Award-nominated gospel vocalist Marvin Sapp will receive the Gospel Music Icon Award, and Grammy® Award-winning jazz virtuoso, Ramsey Lewis will receive the Legends Award. The National Museum of African American Music will be honored with the Legacy Award.
Founder and Executive Producer Don Jackson stated, “This is an incredibly exciting time for us. In addition to the amazing honorees and exciting performances this year, we are also announcing that the Black Music Honors will now be held in the month of June. This is an important time for our community as it is officially Black Music Month and our national holiday, Juneteenth. What better way to honor our legacy at this time.”
The 6th Annual Black Music Honors is being sponsored by AT&T, State Farm and GM.
Been Worthy sat down with honorees Angie Stone and Ginuwine to discuss their ability to reinvent themselves over the years and their impact on today’s music culture. Watch full interview above.