[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 122 (Friday, June 25, 2004)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 35503-35504]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-14644]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 122 / Friday, June 25, 2004 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 35503]]

                Proclamation 7798 of June 22, 2004

                
Black Music Month, 2004

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                The creativity and variety of African-American 
                composers, singers, and musicians have shaped America's 
                artistic and cultural landscape. During Black Music 
                Month, we celebrate and honor the extraordinary impact 
                of African-American music on our Nation's musical 
                heritage.

                The artistry of black musicians changes as each 
                generation brings new talent and trends. Yet, there is 
                a continuous theme. From the profound spirituality of 
                African indigenous faith that influenced gospel, 
                through the development of blues and jazz, to the 
                emergence of rhythm and blues and rock and roll, we 
                hear the richness of the African-American experience, 
                past and present.

                The earliest African-American music echoed the struggle 
                of the oppressed, the trust of the faithful, and the 
                endurance of the weary. We hear the voice of hope in 
                work songs, hymns, psalms, and spirituals. The musical 
                expression that captured the struggle for freedom and 
                equality formed the foundation for gospel, blues, and 
                jazz. African-American churchgoers transformed early 
                spirituals into gospel music, giving voice to praises 
                that still move listeners today. In the early 20th 
                century, performers like Ida Cox and Tommy Johnson gave 
                life to the improvised performances and style of the 
                blues. As artists migrated to cities, the blues 
                developed into an urban phenomenon and evolved into a 
                major force in contemporary music.

                During the same period, early pioneers such as Duke 
                Ellington and Jelly Roll Morton were merging African 
                musical roots with popular and church music to create a 
                distinctively American sound: jazz. Songs first played 
                in clubs in New Orleans, Memphis, and Chicago are now 
                recognized and loved around the world. As jazz has 
                expanded beyond its acoustic roots, African-American 
                dreams, hopes, and joys have remained at the music's 
                core.

                The brilliance of new musical expressions emerged with 
                rhythm and blues in the 1940s and rock and roll in the 
                1950s. Songs from great artists performing today embody 
                the enduring appeal of this music. As black music 
                continues to bring enjoyment to us all, the 
                commemoration of this month expresses our Nation's 
                recognition of its influence and our pride in its 
                legacy.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United 
                States, do hereby proclaim June 2004 as Black Music 
                Month. I encourage all Americans to learn more about 
                the history of black music and to enjoy the great 
                contributions of African-American musicians.

[[Page 35504]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twenty-second day of June, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand four, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 04-14644
Filed 6-24-04; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P