ASCAP Connects Music and Black History Month

One of America’s leading performing rights societies, ASCAP, is highlighting the countless contributions of Black songwriters, composers, innovators and music icons with an in-depth Black History Month campaign.

ASCAP has big plans throughout Black History Month 2021.

Kicking off February 1, the month-long campaign will feature a dedicated webpage spotlighting a different group of Black change-makers each week, with in-depth editorial pieces, daily social media posts featuring honorees or historical events, a playlist of Black music pioneers of all musical genres. The campaign coincides with the celebration of ASCAP’s 107th birthday.

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. Along with a curated playlist celebrating Black Pioneers in Music of every genre, in week 1 ASCAP will spotlight 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 theatre), 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 birthday 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 from the organization’s history such as the first ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards. ASCAP will also publish an editorial feature 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) – Iconic ASCAP Members in Black History

Bob Marley will be recognized as an Iconic ASCAP Member in Black History.

ASCAP will highlight members of the organization who played key roles in important political, social and cultural movements that have had resounding effects on society. Distinguished ASCAP members who will be recognized include Martin Luther King, Jr. and Bob Marley.

Week 4 (February 22 – 28)– ASCAP Members Making History Today

ASCAP members that are breaking barriers and records and creating some of the most compelling works across the musical spectrum today will be featured.

— David Weiss is an Editor for SonicScoop.com, and has been covering pro audio developments for over 20 years. He is also the co-author of the music industry’s leading textbook on synch licensing, “Music Supervision, 2^nd Edition: The Complete Guide to Selecting Music for Movies, TV, Games & New Media.” Email: david@sonicscoop.com

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