The National Museum of African American Music has announced that Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson, Quincy Jones, and the Fisk Jubilee Singers will be the recipients of its 2021 Rhapsody & Rhythm Awards.
The awards will be presented to this year’s honorees on June 17 during the National Museum of African American Music’s seventh annual Celebration of Legends Benefit Concert.
“NMAAM showcases Black music excellence every day, but this year’s Black Music Month will be a special one as we celebrate the museum’s opening with phenomenal music icons and Black music fans across the world,” said NMAAM President and CEO Henry Beecher Hicks III. “We can’t wait to open our doors and share in the joy of Juneteenth weekend with our supporters, fans, and a few musical legends, as well.”
Previous recipients of the Rhapsody & Rhythm Awards include CeCe Winans, George Clinton, Gloria Gaynor, Nile Rodgers, Keb’ Mo’, and Jody Watley.
The fundraising benefit concert marks the first day of NMAAM’s Black Music Month celebrations, held from June 17 through June 19. The celebration honoring Jones, Robinson, Richie, and the Fisk Jubilee Singers will be sponsored by Amazon, featuring live and virtual tribute performances. Though it will be live-streamed, limited seating will be available for guests to attend in person.
“We know that we can only [think big] when we all work together to recognize, elevate and celebrate all voices. We are excited to be NMAAM’s partner and the presenting sponsor for this year’s Black Music Month celebration,” said Courtney Ross, the senior manager of external affairs at Amazon Nashville. “The work the museum is doing is essential to helping our wider community expand the way it thinks, and it’s an honor to be a part of it all.”
Visit the official National Music of African American Music website to learn more about the Rhapsody & Rhythm Awards, as well as the museum’s forthcoming Black Music Month festivities.
