June is Black Music Month

While the common term is “urban music,” it’s impossible to deny the creative and inspiring influence that Black artists have had on pop culture.

June is officially Black Music Month, celebrating Blues/Soul. According to the official White House proclamation, "Black Music Month recognizes some of the brightest lights of American creativity and honors the African-American men and women whose art entertains and inspires us."

And June, coincidentally, sees a bunch of new releases from Corinne Bailey Rae (June 20), Donell Jones (June 20), India.Arie (June 27), and The Brand New Heavies (June 27). Expect Blues/Soul 101 reviews from these artists in the coming weeks.