Remembering The Legends And Pioneers Of African-American Music
By Pat Loeb
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - June is Black Music Month and there's still time to celebrate. A Sunday service in Mount Airy will honor the legends of gospel, blues, swing and pop music.
President Jimmy Carter declared June Black Music month in 1979 and every president since has kept the tradition, though President Obama proclaims it African-American Music Appreciation Month.
Gospel singer Reverend Joe Williams says it was producer Kenny Gamble's idea; a way to call attention to musicians whose work was underplayed, or exploited by promoters.
"They started a Black Music Month to remember those people who had records out that never got the royalties; that never made money because other people took the money," he explains.
Reverend Williams will be leading the 11 a.m. Sunday service at Mount Airy United Fellowship, located at Johnson Street and Walnut Lane.
