WE ARE MUSIC CITY: BLACK MUSIC MONTH 2025
July 28, 2025
As the only museum in the nation dedicated to telling the complete story of the pioneers of the American soundtrack, the National Museum of African American Music proudly hosted our 46th Annual Black Music Month celebration. This year’s “We Are Music City” experience was a landmark moment in musical preservation and storytelling.
Our Impact: A Community Celebration
- Total June Visitors: 25,000+
- Corporate Sponsorship: $200,000+
- Event Highlights: Multiple sold-out performances
- Total Event Revenue: Nearly $30,000
Artifacts and Exhibitions: Preserving Musical Heritage
We unveiled four groundbreaking exhibitions that bring hidden musical stories to light:
- Dom Flemons Exhibition at the Westin Hotel
- The War And Treaty Exhibition
- Randy Savvy and the Compton Cowboys Pop-Up Exhibition
- White House Lawn Photo Exhibition by Photographer Ron St. Clair (First Black Music Month)
Our Commitment: More Than Just Numbers
These figures tell a story of cultural preservation, musical innovation, and community connection. Each visitor represents a moment of discovery, a story shared, a musical legacy honored.
Week 1: Celebrating Black Country Music Legacy
Our Week 1 events challenged traditional narratives of country music. The Linda Martell Birthday Celebration and Been Country Concert brought together extraordinary artists like The War And Treaty, Dara Tucker, Amythyst Kiah, Robert Randolph, Rissi Palmer, Randy Savvy, Zay Wilson, Origins Music Group artists, and The Kentucky Gentlemen.
Partnering with the Country Music Association during CMA Fest, we illuminated the deep roots of Black artists in a genre often misunderstood.
Week 2: The Soul of the 90s
Our 90s R&B night became a powerful testament to a transformative musical era. Renee Neufville of Zhané took center stage, receiving recognition from the R&B Foundation and let us know she’ll be donating her iconic jacket from the “Groove Thang” video to our permanent collection.
Week 3: The Sacred Celebration of Juneteenth
Our Bridge to Broadway and Beyond pop-up museum at Fort Negley, in partnership with Juneteenth615, welcomed over 12,000 guests—a testament to the hunger for authentic cultural experiences.
Our Community Day brought nearly 2,000 visitors who experienced:
- Full museum access including our limited-time Jubilation Exhibition
- African drumming workshops and line dancing classes
- Arts and crafts for children
- A powerful documentary screening by the Metro Human Relations Commission
Week 4: Amplify Lounge Debut
We concluded with a sold-out soft launch of Amplify Lounge, an intimate venue designed to showcase artist storytelling. Kenny Sharp and his 12-piece band brought the space to life, embodying the innovative spirit that defines Nashville’s musical landscape.
More Than a Celebration—A Mission
Black Music Month doesn’t happen without our dedicated board of directors, staff, sponsors, and community supporters. Each ticket purchased, each story shared, each moment experienced brings us closer to our goal of preserving and celebrating the central role African Americans have played in creating the American soundtrack.
We are not just a museum. We are the storytellers of a musical legacy that belongs to everyone.
Explore Photo Galleries: Linda Martell’s Birthday Celebration, BEEN Country: Black Roots in Rhythm, Soul of the 90s, Juneteenth Community Day + Bridge to Broadway & Beyond, Live from Amplify: Kenny Sharp’s Brown Liquor Music
