NMAAM TO HONOR SMOKEY, QUINCY, LIONEL DURING BLACK MUSIC MONTH

The fabulous National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) has officially opened in Nashville and will celebrate with four special events in June (aka Black Music Month), highlighted by the 6/17 Celebration of Legends Benefit Concert honoring musical pioneers Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson and the Fisk Jubilee Singers. The event will boast tribute performances and the presentation of the coveted Rhapsody & Rhythm Award.

“NMAAM showcases Black music excellence every day, but this year’s Black Music Month will be a special one as we celebrate the museum’s opening with phenomenal music icons and Black music fans across the world,” said NMAAM President and CEO Henry Beecher Hicks III.

This year’s benefit concert, sponsored by Amazon, will include a mix of limited-seating in-person and virtual experiences.

“One of Amazon’s core values is to think big. We know that we can only do that when we all work together to recognize, elevate and celebrate all voices,” said Courtney Ross, Amazon Nashville’s Senior Manager of External Affairs. “The work the museum is doing is essential to helping our wider community expand the way it thinks, and it’s an honor to be a part of it all.”

Also on deck for the weekend is the State of Black Music Summit (6/18), featuring panels and deep-dive discussions. The official museum dedication ceremony takes place on 6/19, immediately followed by a Juneteenth Block Party hosted by NMAAM to celebrate Black Music Month with the city of Nashville. Live performances are in the offing.

For more information on Black Music Month and NMAAM, click here.