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A Resolution recognizing June 2026 as Black Music Month in Nashville and Davidson County.
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WHEREAS, Black Music Month is an annual celebration of African American music, recognizing Black music and culture from early spirituals born out of the unconscionable hardships of slavery through the creation of folk and gospel, the evolution of rhythm and blues, soul, and jazz, the ascendance of rock and roll and disco, and the creation of rap, and hip-hop and beyond; and
WHEREAS, first recognized by President Jimmy Carter in June 1979, this month celebrates the African American musical influences that comprise an essential part of our nation’s treasured cultural heritage; and
WHEREAS, while Nashville is widely known for country music, which continues to be influenced by Black musical traditions, it is also home to early Black music pioneers like the Fisk Jubilee Singers and DeFord Bailey, one of WSM’s most prominent performers; and
WHEREAS, both the Fisk Jubilee Singers and Tennessee State University Marching Bands have been awarded Grammy Awards for Best Roots Gospel Album, demonstrating the deep institutional connection to Black Music in Nashville; and
WHEREAS, today, many Black artists, from hip hop, rap, gospel, country, jazz, rock and other genres, call Nashville home; and
WHEREAS, Nashville is home to the National Museum of African American Music, the only museum dedicated to preserving the legacy and celebrating the accomplishments of the many music genres created, influenced, or inspired by African Americans; and
WHEREAS, Nashville is also home to the Jefferson Street Sound Museum, which honors the musical legacy of Jefferson Street. The influential music bars and clubs on Jefferson Street led to a thriving music scene in the from the 1920s to the 1960s. A young Jimi Hendrix was part of the house band at the famed Club Del Morocco on Jefferson Street in the early 1960s, and Club Baron hosted artists like Otis Redding and Little Richard; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan County Council recognize the contribution of African American artists on Nashville’s music and culture by celebrating and commemorating Black Music Month.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing June 2026 as Black Music Month in Nashville and Davidson County
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.