The influence of Black Music on America's history through centuries and decades is monumental, especially in the transformative decade of the 1960s. During Black Music Month, Andersen Corporation presents “Soul of the Sixties: A celebration of Black Music with Grammy award-winning Sounds of Blackness," a live musical event at The Dakota Jazz Club in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
African American Music Appreciation Month was declared in June 1979. The influence that Black artists and their music have had on American culture is undeniable. Musicians from genres around the world have gleaned from Black musicality and found inspiration in the creativity and passion at the heart of Black music.
Soul of the Sixties is an authentic reenactment and tribute to the greatest soul performers of the sixties: Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Sly and the Family Stone, and many more. Sounds of Blackness performs in full costume with original choreography and their 10-piece band. The Dakota is the stage for this second annual Black Music Month event.
Gary D. Hines, is the music director and producer of this special show. Executive produced by award-winning Rae Mackenzie Group, an industry-leading diversity, equity and inclusion marketing firm, the event is sponsored by Andersen.
The group proclaims the music, culture and history of African Americans to audiences all over the world including the World Cup, Super Bowl, Ryder Cup, NFL, NBA and Grammy Awards. The award-winning vocal and instrumental ensemble’s music spans genres including jazz, blues, rock & roll, R&B, gospel, spirituals, reggae and soul, to share uplifting messages of hope, unity, love and peace for all humankind.
“Celebrating Black Music month is a tradition at Andersen that I now look forward to every year,” said Tracey Gibson, vice president and chief diversity officer. “When we thought about who could best take us on a journey through the rich history of Black Music of the sixties, we couldn’t think of anyone more apt to do this than Sounds of Blackness, who have been ambassadors of Black Music across the nation and around our world for decades.”
Andersen continually works to build a culture of inclusion, creating a respectful workplace for all employees and removing systemic barriers to success. Recognizing the Black culture through music is one way that Andersen does this.
Sharon Smith-Akinsanya, CEO of the Rae Mackenzie Group said, “It really means something when a company like Andersen demonstrates their commitment to Black Music and Black culture in this way. We are proud to come together in community to celebrate.”
Posted: June 7, 2023
