In recognition of African-American Music Appreciation Month, Preservation Hall is offering free music downloads throughout the month of June.
Walter Payton, pictured with his son Nicholas Payton.
A recording of George Lewis playing the traditional “Down by the Riverside,” is the first offering in the series.
A song by Tuba Fats will be available starting June 14, followed by a recording of Billie & DeDe Pierce on June 17, Ralph Johnson on June 21, Walter Payton on June 24, and John Brunious on June 26.
President Jimmy Carter began what was then called Black Music Month in 1979, and President Barack Obama has carried on the tradition after changing the official title to African-American Music Appreciation Month.
A May 30, 2014 Presidential Proclamation announcing this year’s appreciation month spoke highly of the contribution of African-Americans to all forms of American music.
“The influence of African-American artists resounds each day through symphony halls, church sanctuaries, music studios, and vast arenas. It fills us with inspiration and calls us to action. This month, as we honor the history of African-American music, let it continue to give us hope and carry us forward — as one people and one Nation,” President Obama said in the proclamation.
