Throughout the month of June, BMI will proudly honor Black Music Month, a time to recognize the immeasurable influence and incredible impact of Black music on genres across the spectrum. Black songwriters, artists and musicians have created, inspired and nurtured styles such as Gospel, folk, blues, jazz, R&B, rock, country, pop, hip-hop and beyond, paving the way for generations to come. The national observance of Black Music Month was first established by President Jimmy Carter, an avid music fan, in 1979.

BMI is privileged to represent and celebrate our extraordinary Black affiliates whose countless contributions have shaped contemporary music. We're thrilled to begin the month with our online celebration of BMI's Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards, which will launch on our site and social media platforms on June 7, so please stay tuned for that special tribute. In addition, over the coming weeks we'll continue to highlight some of our Black songwriters and their phenomenal music across our social channels. Moreover, we'll feature an exclusive virtual tour inside the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, which is dedicated to preserving the legacy and celebrating the role of Black Americans in creating the American soundtrack.