June 23: This Day in Black Music History

Black Music Month originated in 1979. Jimmy Carter proclaimed the month of June as Black Music Month to celebrate the wonderful music, the  achievements, births, important timelines, events and to remember those we lost.

1. Mother Willie Mae Ford Smith

1904:Willie Mae Ford was born. She was also known as Mother Willie Mae Ford Smith and was a gospel singer and considered as one of the greatest. In 1990 Smith was inducted into the St. Louis Walk of Fame. She passed away in 1994. (Photo: YouTube)

2. Memphis Bleek

1978: Happy Birthday to rapper Memphis Bleek