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The Music Industry
- African Americans have been involved in
the music industry for over 150 years. Have students research a musician
in that time period and write an essay.
- Have students bring to class a recording of their favorite contemporary
band. Discuss the music and how African Americans were involved in the
production of the recording, i.e., songwriters, lyricists, producer,
arranger, distributor.
- Motown, Philly
International, Stx and Black Swan Records are four recording companies
that have contributed to the African-American presence in the recording
insdustry. Have students research and write a report on one of these
companies, its founder(s) and some of the starts that came through it.
Play a series of selections by Duke
Ellington, and see how many students recognize the tunes. Discuss how
the music of African Americans in used in commercials, movies and cartoons.