Black Music Month originated in 1979. Jimmy Carter proclaimed the month of June as Black Music Month to celebrate the music, the achievements, births, important timelines, events and to remember those we lost.
1. Hattie McDaniel
1895: Hattie McDaniel was born this day. She was a professional singer-songwriter, comedian, stage actress, radio performer, and television star; she was the first black woman to sing on the radio in America. She is also the 1st African American to win an Academy Award. She passed away in 1952 of breast cancer. She was 57 years old. (Photo: AP)
