By: Roy Douglas Malonson
Black Music Month, observed annually in June, is a national recognition of the profound contributions African Americans have made to the development of music in the United States and around the world. The observance highlights the creativity, innovation, and cultural influence of Black musicians whose work has shaped countless musical genres and enriched the nation’s artistic heritage. It serves as both a celebration of achievement and an opportunity to reflect on the historical significance of Black music.
The origins of Black Music Month date back to 1979, when music industry leaders and advocates sought greater recognition for the contributions of African American artists. Their efforts led to a presidential proclamation establishing June as a time to honor the achievements of Black musicians, composers, producers, and performers. Since then, the observance has become an important annual tribute to the enduring impact of Black artistry on American culture.
African American musicians have played a foundational role in the creation and evolution of numerous musical genres, including blues, jazz, gospel, rhythm and blues, soul, rock and roll, funk, hip-hop, and contemporary popular music. These genres emerged from the experiences, traditions, and resilience of Black communities, often serving as powerful expressions of identity, faith, struggle, and hope. Their influence continues to resonate across generations and throughout the global music industry.
Don Deadric Robey, music entrepreneur, was born on November 1, 1903, in Houston. A life-long passion for music led Robey into promotional work for ballroom dances in the Houston area. In the late 1930s he spent three years in Los Angeles, where he operated a nightclub called the Harlem Grill. After returning to Houston, he opened the famous Bronze Peacock Dinner Club in 1945. He booked top jazz bands and orchestras to play the club, which became a huge success.
James “J. Prince” Prince is a pioneering figure in Houston’s music industry and the founder of Rap-A-Lot Records. Born and raised in Houston’s Fifth Ward, Prince established the label in the mid-1980s, helping create a platform for Southern hip- hop artists at a time when the genre received little national attention. Through Rap-A- Lot Records, he played a major role in launching and developing the careers of influential artists such as the Geto Boys, as well as artists including Scarface and UGK. His business vision helped elevate Houston as a major center of hip-hop culture and expanded the influence of Southern rap across the United States.
Congressman Al Green, Lina Hidalgo, Rodney Ellis Beyond music, Prince has built a reputation as an entrepreneur, talent manager, and community
