A message from the president & CEO

IN this era of iPods and MP3s, there is perhaps no more integral part of our lives than music--whether it be R&B, gospel, blues, classical, hip-hop, rap or jazz. Imagine, if you can, that the soundtrack of our lives had no Luther, no Aretha, no Duke, Ella or Coltrane, no Mahalia or BeBe and CeCe, no Marvin, no Michael, no Leontyne, no Temptations or Supremes, no LL Cool J or Mary J., no Tina or Patti, no Muddy, no Tupac or Biggie, no Funkadelic, no Stevie, no Wynton, no Usher or Beyonce, no Ludacris or Missy, or thousands of other Black music makers who represent a collection of contributors whose efforts throughout the years have enriched us, entertained us and inspired us.

It is an undisputed reality that the American music phenomenon would not be what it is were it not for the immeasurable and unparalleled input of African-Americans. Black creativity in music continues to set distinctive standards that have been embraced by the world. Many Black artists--like Little Richard, Chuck Berry and James Brown--can only be described as innovators, those who have influenced and shaped American music while establishing an enduring and unmistakable style that some of the biggest musicians around the world readily and unapologetically imitate.

It is against that backdrop that we celebrate Black Music Month. On the cover, we set the tone for this year's celebration by assembling an incredible and unique group of personalities who represent the best in a wide range of music. In a West Hollywood studio, the legendary Smokey Robinson is joined by gospel's Yolanda Adams, hip-hop's Common, and R&B's Kelly Rowland and Clara. In their own way, they have contributed to an immense and historic body of work that has transformed one of the country's most treasured art forms and taken it to new heights.

While in the midst of this celebration of Black music, radio stations across the country, coincidentally, will be playing the annual anthem "Color Him Father" by the Winstons in recognition of Father's Day. For me, this will be the first time I will face a Father's Day without my father, John H. Johnson, who passed away last August. Thanks to him, I clearly understand the importance and necessity of a loving, dedicated and devoted father. In this issue, some of those qualities are reflected in the men featured in the articles, "From Boys To Men To Fatherhood," "The Fatherhood Connection" and "Eric Benet's Voyage For India," a story about how the singer balances stardom and his fatherly responsibilities to his 14-year-old daughter.

Music and family are predominant in this issue, but these pages also include a profile of NAACP President Bruce Gordon, a look at the unusual number of celebrity breakups, and there is the return of two popular, annual features, "Top Bachelors of the Year" and "Outstanding High School Seniors."

But getting back to music, in a special tribute to one of our most treasured icons, senior editor Kevin Chappell and photographer Vandell Cobb traveled across Arizona and Nevada to produce the article, "B.B. King Rolls On." At 80 years old, he is still exhibiting the skill, energy and magic that took him from Indianola, Miss., to Memphis, Tenn., and on to the doorstep of the world. There is no better ambassador of Black music--or music in general--than the internationally recognized "King of the Blues."

Although he doesn't perform as often as he used to (only 100 dates a year), it is we, the music lovers, who should be so thankful that, for B.B., the thrill is not gone.

COPYRIGHT 2006 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning