By Shelby Powell
Back in 1979 southern peanut farmer turned President, Jimmy Carter, declared June Black Music Month with a little prodding from Stevie Wonder and Berry Gordy. Undoubtedly raised on a steady sonic diet of Blues and Jazz during his childhood, Carter recognized the unique contributions African-Americans made to the eclectic American music landscape and decided that donation was worth 30 days of praise.
Well, he would be correct. Most of us have already figured out that there would be very little American music without black music. Whether you consider the muddy waters of the blues that flow to the ocean known as country or the catchy boogie-woogie schemes of the 30’s and 40’s that would eventually give birth to rock & roll, you still can surmise all musical rivers spring from the same source.
We at Planet Ill have decided it is our civic duty to uphold that particular Presidential proclamation and bring you a month of black music pioneers. Folks who have planted the seeds of aural trees from which your favorite artist and his sound now grow. Over the next four weeks we will explore the diversity known as black music from artists who fill your i-Pod to those who you remember from your dad’s dusty record collection to those you may have never heard of at all.
There is no genus unaffected. There is no sub-set untouched. And there is nothing you can listen to that black music hasn’t influenced in one way or another. So sit back, pop open a can of honey roasted Planters and absorb all that is our past, present and future in American phonic design.
Consider this your landing page for all that is Black music month here at Planet Ill
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