The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) has unveiled plans for an upcoming Black History Month campaign that will honor a wide range of Black artists, songwriters, composers and their invaluable contributions to music, ASCAP and the world at large. Kicking off February 1, the month-long campaign will include a dedicated web page spotlighting a different group of Black changemakers each week, with in-depth editorial features, daily social media posts featuring honorees or historic events, a playlist of Black music pioneers from across all musical genres, and a celebration of ASCAP’s 107th anniversary.
“ASCAP is passionate about recognizing the contributions of Black songwriters and composers who have created music that has impacted our culture and the world,” said Nicole George-Middleton, ASCAP Senior Vice President, Membership. “During this month in particular, our mission is to shine a spotlight on the pioneers, innovators and icons who are ASCAP members who have changed history, shaped music as we know it and given us the songs we love so much.”
See below for ASCAP’s Black History Month campaign and weekly themes:
Week 1 (February 1-7) – Black Pioneers in Music ASCAP will launch a Black History Month webpage that will be updated with new content throughout the month. In addition to a curated playlist celebrating Black pioneers in music across all genres, during Week 1, ASCAP will highlight the legacies of members including Quincy Jones (film/TV, pop, R&B), Charley Pride (country), Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five (hip-hop), Eubie Blake & Noble Sissle (musical theater), Duke Ellington (jazz), Sister Rosetta Tharpe (gospel/rock), and Florence Price (classical).
Week 2 (February 8 – 14) – Black Musicians and Important Black Moments in ASCAP History The second week of Black History Month coincides with ASCAP’s 107th anniversary on February 13. Founded in part by poet, author, lyricist and civil rights activist James Weldon Johnson (“Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing”), ASCAP will highlight Johnson’s story, as well as special moments in the organization’s history such as the inaugural ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards (originally known as the “Black Music Celebration”). ASCAP will also publish an editorial piece summarizing the organization’s shout-outs in hip-hop tracks over the years by artists including Timbaland, Gucci Mane, Wale, Blackalicious, Ma$e, Ice T, Nelly and more.
Week 3 (February 15-21) – ASCAP Iconic Members in Black History ASCAP will highlight members of the organization who have played key roles in important political, social and cultural movements that have had a profound impact on society. Distinguished ASCAP members to be recognized include Martin Luther King, Jr. and Bob Marley.
Week 4 (February 22-28) – ASCAP Members Making History Today ASCAP members who are breaking barriers and records and creating some of the most compelling works in the musical spectrum today will be featured.
Author: [email protected] (Jessie Clarks)
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