- to the IAAAM, International Association of African-American Music.
Read IAAAM's letter of support for Maxwell Street.
Warm greetings to all my fellow Americans who are celebrating African American Music Month, 1997.
African Americans have contributed immeasurably to America's success, infusing industry, academic, government, the arts and every facet of our society -- with a multitude of gifts that have helped shape and strengthen our national life. In particular, America's musical heritage music is the voice that proclaims who we are as a people, then African Americans have helped to give this voice its content, its tone, its volume, and its power.
African American music is a profound expression of what it means to be black in America. Listening to the recordings of early blues musicians and jazz innovators, the legends of rock, rap, and soul, we hear and feel the sorrows and joys of the African American experience. This music continues to grow and change, continuously adding depth and richness to America's cultural heritage.
This month offers all of us a special chance to learn about African American music and the important gifts it continues to bring to our world. I encourage all my fellow Americans to learn musicians, writers, composers, engineers, producers, and other artists who have kept our nation singing.
Best Wishes for a memorable observance.
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