NASHVILLE, Tenn.—The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) is thrilled to announce its first-ever Awards Gala, a groundbreaking event set to take place October 5 on Broadway, the epicenter of Nashville’s music scene. This historic celebration will honor musicians, producers, and educators who have made significant contributions to the music industry and advanced NMAAM’s mission to preserve and promote the legacy of African American music.
The Awards Gala will feature dynamic performances from celebrated icons and rising
stars, delivering an unforgettable night of music that captures the richness and diversity
of the African American experience. Guests will enjoy a vibrant mix of tributes, celebrating the honorees’ outstanding achievements and their profound ripple effect on the cultural landscape.
This event marks an exciting new phase in NMAAM’s mission to preserve the legacy
and celebrate the central role African Americans play in creating the American
soundtrack. With a dedicated team of music and museum experts curating cultural
moments through immersive exhibits, educational programs, and dynamic year-round
events, the museum ensures that African American musical contributions are celebrated
every day. NMAAM remains committed to honoring this rich legacy, inspiring audiences
to connect with and appreciate Black music 365 days a year.
“Bringing NMAAM’s first Awards Gala to Broadway is a powerful reminder of African
American music’s influence on all genres. As we celebrate Black music 365 days a
year, this event honors those who’ve championed our mission to preserve this rich
cultural legacy,” said C. Dion Brown, President and CEO of NMAAM.
NMAAM’s 2024 Awards Gala Honorees are:
● Jed Hilly – Executive Director of the Americana Music Association
● Gina Miller – SVP and General Manager for MNRK Music Group
● Alice Randall – Award-winning Professor, Songwriter, and Author
● Allison Russell – Canadian Singer-Songwriter, Musician, and Activist
● Damon Williams– Chairman of the Rhythm & Blues Foundation
● Torrance Esmond – Producer and Music Executive, known as Street Symphony
● Dr. Forrest Harris – President of American Baptist College and Member of the
NMAAM’s Education Advisory Council
Tables for the inaugural National Museum of African American Music Awards Gala can be reserved on this link https://71931.blackbaudhosting.com/71931/NMAAM-Honors-Gala
NMAAM’s Fall Lineup
NMAAM’s Awards Gala is just one of the highlights of an exciting fall season with a
lineup of exhibits, educational programs, and community events dedicated to preserving
and celebrating music genres created and inspired by African Americans. In the Main
Gallery, the exhibit “Black Music. Black Life.” runs through December 1, 2024,
showcasing the work of Dr. David Ikard, who explores the resilience, intelligence, and
dynamism integral to the Black experience and music.
NMAAM’s second annual Institutional Summit, held on October 3-4, 2024, focuses on
education and preservation. The two-day event features live performances, interactive
discussions, artist talkbacks, and panels.
Recurring events such as heARTBEAT Saturdays and the Sound in Cinema series
further enrich the season’s offerings, celebrating African American music culture in an
engaging atmosphere and exploring the role of music in film.
About the National Museum of African American Music
The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM), located in Nashville,
Tennessee, is the only museum of its kind dedicated to preserving and celebrating the
history of Black music in America. The museum’s expertly curated collections share the
story of the American soundtrack by integrating history and interactive technology to bring the musical heroes of the past into the present. The museum’s mission is to
educate the world, preserve the legacy, and celebrate the central role African
Americans play in creating the American soundtrack. For more information, please visit
www.nmaam.org
