The NMAAM Blog
Profile: Keb’ Mo’
May 21, 2018National Museum of African American Music National Chair Keb’ Mo’ is a musical force to be reckoned with that has contributed to various genres of America’s soundtrack. With 14...
Profile: Nile Rodgers
May 17, 2018You can’t listen to music today without hearing some influence from none other than the multi-talented Nile Rodgers. The guitarist, songwriter, producer, and composer has helped to craft the...
Q&A: Otis Williams of The Temptations: The Emperors of Soul ‘All the Time’
May 2, 2018For nearly six decades, The Temptations have crafted the foundation for America’s soundtrack, as well as provided the blueprint for groups that followed in their footsteps. From their choreography,...
Q&A: 112’s Daron Jones & Ginuwine: ’90s Block Party Tour
April 9, 2018Music during the ’90s made an impressive mark on America’s soundtrack. So much of an impression, that fans of the era are craving the sounds that got them through...
Profile: Little Eva
April 2, 2018The infectious catchy dance song “The Loco-Motion” is a part of America’s musical soundtrack. The story of Little Eva and her hit song is one of being in the...
Q&A: Bettye LaVette: Things Have Changed
March 26, 2018It’s been a long time coming and as an interpreter of song, Bettye LaVette has started a new chapter of her career with her tenth album, Things Have Changed....
Profile: Sister Rosetta Tharpe: Guitar Gospel
March 19, 2018The Rock ‘n’ Roll genre was born somewhere between a church and a nightclub in the heart and soul of a woman named Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Imagine a Black...
Q&A: Jody Watley: A Crossover Music Icon
March 13, 2018With a multi-platinum selling vast genre discography that spans decades, the legendary Jody Watley is still a musical force to be reckoned with today. Jody Watley was destined for...
Q&A: Gerald Alston
March 5, 2018Mention the name Gerald Alston and you immediately think of soul drenched with an infusion of gospel. The lead singer of the legendary Grammy Award winning R&B group The...
Q&A: James Mtume: Transcending Decades and Genres
February 26, 2018Crafting iconic music across multiple genres has allowed Grammy award winning singer, songwriter, producer James Mtume to create his own blueprint as his contribution to America’s soundtrack. The name...
Profile: Piedmont Blues Legend Etta Baker
February 19, 2018Influential blues guitarist Etta Baker was proof that it’s never too late to follow your dreams. She didn’t become a professional musician until she was 60 years old, and...
An Interview with Franklin Willis
February 12, 2018Recently we interviewed Franklin Willis, music educator, vocalist, and education consultant. Willis, who performed twice as a part of our Emerging Artist Series at Sips & Stanzas, spoke candidly...