National Black Music Month, as it was originally known, was established by presidential decree in 1979. That same year, Bob Ottenhoff spearheaded an effort to start WBGO, a Newark radio station with jazz at the heart of its mission.
That steadfast allegiance has never faltered at WBGO, through all the changes in music and in our culture. So during African American Music Appreciation Month, we'll celebrate jazz, blues, soul and more, with the same commitment we bring year round.
Here are a few highlights from our related programming in June:
Our weekly editorial feature, Take Five, will highlight a range of new releases in the Black American Music tradition.
Jazz Night in America will roll out a video short about jazz piano pioneer Hazel Scott on June 9, a radio profile of alto saxophonist Gary Bartz on June 23, and an episode about trumpeter Theo Croker on June 30.
We'll help support a month-long showcase by NPR Music, which includes a Tiny Desk Concert by keyboardist James Francies.
Stay tuned for more special programming, across styles and formats, all month long.