Celebrating Juneteenth and Black Music Month in Memphis

Juneteenth in Memphis

Juneteenth doesn’t just celebrate freedom–for so many Black Memphians (and Black communities across the nation), it’s a day to unapologetically celebrate Black joy, expression, accomplishment and so much more. From the movers and shakers who are leading the path to a better and brighter Memphis to the young Memphians ready to make their mark on our city and the world, this day is all about celebrating the legacies they’re creating.

Here’s a history lesson for you. Nationwide slavery was officially ended on June 19th, 1865 and this comes two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. On this day, Major General Gordon Granger along with his Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced that the war had ended and enslaved people were now free.

Black Music Month

We all know that Memphis wouldn’t be the musical city we all know and love without the generations of contributions from Black musicians. President Jimmy Carter created Black Music Month in 1979 and, now, we’re using this month to celebrate all of the talented Black musicians in the city. Of course, in Memphis, honoring our city’s musical legacy is a 365-day thing. From iconic gospel and blues singers to the many rappers and soulful R&B artists that called the M home, we’ve got a lot to be proud of!

Sound of Black Music Month in Memphis

Memphis has long been central to the evolution of American music. The city’s contributions to blues, soul, gospel, and hip hop have influenced artists around the world. Black Music Month provides an opportunity to reflect on this impact while also recognizing the modern creatives expanding that legacy.

Today’s Memphis music community reflects a wide spectrum of talent. Artists, producers, DJs, and entrepreneurs are all contributing to a culture that values authenticity, storytelling, and innovation. Their work continues to connect Memphis to a global audience while staying grounded in the city’s distinct identity.

David Porter: A Legacy That Built the Memphis Sound

Few individuals have shaped Memphis music as profoundly as David Porter. A Hall of Fame songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur, Porter helped define the golden era of soul through his work at Stax Records. As one half of the legendary songwriting duo with Isaac Hayes, he co-created iconic records like Soul Man and Hold On, I’m Comin’, songs that remain foundational to American music.

With more than 1,700 songwriting credits and global sales reaching hundreds of millions, Porter’s influence spans generations and genres. His work has been reinterpreted and sampled by artists across decades, reinforcing Memphis as a cornerstone of musical innovation, and chronicled in his book The Soul Man: Life of Songwriter David Porter.

Beyond songwriting, Porter has dedicated much of his career to building opportunities for others. Through initiatives like Made in Memphis Entertainment and The Consortium, he has helped create infrastructure for artists to develop their craft and navigate the industry. His legacy is not only heard in the music itself but also in the pathways he has helped create for future generations.

Jerod Minnies: A Global Sound Rooted in South Memphis

Jerod Minnies represents the deep musical roots that define Memphis. Raised in South Memphis, his early exposure to Beale Street culture and mentorship from legendary figures helped shape a sound grounded in blues and soul traditions.

As a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and producer, Minnies blends Delta blues with modern influences, creating music that feels both timeless and current. His project BLUZ BOWL reflects this approach, merging classic sounds with contemporary creativity.

His career has taken him well beyond Memphis, including performances across Europe and major international festival stages in Brazil with massive audiences. Along the way, he has worked alongside iconic artists such as Al Green, Bob Dylan, and Wyclef Jean.

Despite global recognition, his foundation remains firmly tied to Memphis. His artistry reflects lessons of restraint, emotional depth, and connection that are central to the city’s musical tradition.

Renisha Mayes: Bridging Creativity and Business

Renisha Mayes brings a critical perspective to the music industry by focusing on sustainability and structure. As a Memphis-based consultant, past Memphis Business Journal 40 Under 40 Honoree, and author of Music Revenue Readiness: From Talent to Trade, she emphasizes the importance of turning creative talent into long-term opportunity. Her guidance helps artists define their value, build revenue streams, organize their rights and royalties, and operate with greater financial clarity. By breaking down the business side of music into clear and actionable steps, she helps creatives build careers that extend beyond performance alone.

Her impact within the industry is built on extensive, hands-on experience. Hand-selected by Hall of Fame songwriter David Porter, Mayes played a key role within Made in Memphis Entertainment, where she led digital supply chain operations. Her work extended beyond distribution into artist development and live entertainment through LaMarie Entertainment, where she supported booking efforts for major acts including Johnny Gill, Silk, George Clinton, and Jagged Edge. This experience gave her a comprehensive understanding of both the creative and operational sides of the business.

Mayes represents a growing movement within Memphis that values not only artistic expression but also economic empowerment. Her work ensures that creatives are equipped to navigate the industry with confidence and clarity.

Boo Mitchell: Continuing a Legendary Sound at Royal Studios

Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell carries forward one of Memphis’ most iconic musical legacies. As a Grammy-winning producer, engineer, and owner of Royal Studios, he has helped preserve and evolve the sound that defined Hi Records and generations of soul music.

Growing up in the studio under the guidance of his father, legendary producer Willie Mitchell, Boo developed his craft early, eventually becoming a key figure in recording and producing music at Royal Studios. His work spans artists across genres, from Al Green and Anthony Hamilton to John Mayer and Snoop Dogg.

He also contributed to projects like the documentary Take Me to the River, which brought together multiple generations of Memphis musicians to celebrate the city’s musical history.
Through his leadership, Royal Studios remains one of the most historic and active recording spaces in the world. Boo Mitchell ensures that the Memphis sound continues to evolve while staying deeply connected to its roots.

Bev Johnson: A Legendary Voice in Memphis Radio

Bev Johnson stands as one of Memphis’ most enduring and influential media voices. With a career spanning decades, she built her legacy through radio, becoming a trusted presence and a cultural connector within the community.

Her journey in broadcasting began in the 1970s, eventually leading her to Memphis where she became a cornerstone of WDIA, one of the most historic Black radio stations in the country. Over the years, she has served in multiple roles, from news and programming to hosting her long-running talk program, The Bev Johnson Show, which became a staple for listeners across the region.

Beyond broadcasting, Johnson has remained deeply committed to service. Her involvement has included education, counseling, and leadership in community organizations, reflecting a career that extends well beyond the microphone.

Recognized with numerous awards and honors, her influence has shaped both media and community dialogue in Memphis. Her work represents the power of radio not just as entertainment, but as a space for connection, conversation, and impact.

Big Sue: A Voice That Connects Memphis to the Culture

Sue Boyle, widely known as Big Sue, has been a powerful voice shaping Memphis radio and music culture for nearly two decades. As Senior Vice President of Programming at iHeartMedia, she has led strategy across multiple stations, blending traditional radio with digital platforms to reach audiences in new and meaningful ways.

Her career began on-air, where she built a recognizable presence as a DJ and personality on K97, eventually expanding into a nationally syndicated show heard across dozens of markets. From there, she transitioned into leadership while continuing to influence content, talent development, and audience engagement on a larger scale.

Big Sue’s impact goes beyond programming. Known for mentoring talent and shaping the direction of major Memphis stations, she has helped define how hip hop and R&B are experienced locally and regionally. Her voice has also extended across hundreds of platforms through voiceover work, reinforcing her reach well beyond the city. Her career reflects a broader truth about Memphis music culture. The sound is not only created by artists, but also by the voices and visionaries who amplify it.

IMAKEMADBEATS: Creating Space for Independent Vision

James Dukes, known as IMAKEMADBEATS, is helping redefine how music is created and supported in Memphis. As a producer and cultural strategist, he founded UNAPOLOGETIC., a creative platform designed to give artists the freedom to maintain control over their work.

Rather than functioning as a traditional label, it operates as a full creative ecosystem. It connects music production, visual storytelling, live events, and digital platforms into a cohesive space where artists can develop without compromise.

His work reflects a larger shift in the industry toward ownership and independence. By building systems that support creators holistically, he is helping shape a future where Memphis artists can thrive on their own terms.

Gebre Waddell: Powering the Future of Music Through Technology

Gebre Waddell represents the intersection of music, technology, and innovation. A Memphis-born entrepreneur, audio engineer, and producer, he is the co-founder and CEO of Sound Credit, a platform designed to modernize how music credits are tracked, shared, and monetized across the industry.

With a background that includes Grammy-nominated engineering work and collaborations with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Public Enemy, and Lil Wayne, Waddell understands both the creative and technical sides of music production. His work addresses one of the industry’s most persistent challenges by ensuring that everyone involved in a project receives proper credit and compensation.

Beyond his company, Waddell has played a leadership role on the Recording Academy’s national board and contributed to conversations around policy and innovation in music. His efforts reflect a broader shift within Memphis, positioning the city not only as a birthplace of sound but also as a hub for music tech advancement.

YoBreezye: the Power of the Multifaceted DJ and Curated Community Spaces

Bryan Roberson, known as YoBreezye, is part of a new wave of creatives redefining the role of DJs within Memphis culture. Moving between DJing, photography, filmmaking, and event curation, he brings a multidimensional approach to storytelling through music.

After returning to Memphis, he began building community driven experiences that center DJs as key contributors to culture. His event series, Yo Breezye and Friends, highlights DJs as curators who shape how audiences discover and experience music.

His work reflects a growing movement where DJs are reclaiming creative control and influence. Through these efforts, he is strengthening the connection between artists and audiences across the city.

K. Michelle: A Memphis Voice Crossing Genres with Purpose

K. Michelle built a career defined by bold authenticity and musical range, emerging as one of the most distinctive voices connected to Memphis. Born and raised in the city, her early exposure to a mix of R&B, soul, and country influences shaped a sound that refused to stay confined to a single genre.

As a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, she achieved significant success within R&B, releasing multiple Billboard-charting albums while building a loyal global fanbase. Her work has consistently been recognized for its emotional honesty and fearless storytelling, creating space for listeners to connect deeply with her music.

In recent years, she expanded her artistry by embracing her Southern roots and transitioning into country music, a direction influenced by the sounds she grew up on in Tennessee. This evolution reflects both her versatility and her commitment to staying true to her musical identity. Through every phase of her career, K. Michelle remained connected to Memphis, carrying the city’s influence into every sound she explored.

Talibah Safiya: New Era Soul and Storytelling Reaching Global Audiences

Talibah Safiya brings a distinct and powerful voice to Memphis music, blending soul, storytelling, and personal expression into a sound that resonates deeply. Known for projects like Black Magic and Eternal, her music reflects both emotional honesty and creative experimentation.

Her work has extended beyond local stages to reach international audiences, where she has shared her sound with listeners across abroad. This global reach underscores the universal appeal of her artistry while remaining rooted in her Memphis identity.

Through her music, Talibah Safiya continues to expand the boundaries of soul and alternative sound, creating space for authenticity and bold expression.

8Ball & MJG: Breakthrough Legacy from Orange Mound and Beyond

Few names capture the spirit of Memphis hip hop like 8Ball and MJG, whose roots trace back to the historic Orange Mound community. Known as one of the first neighborhoods in the United States built by and for Black residents, Orange Mound has long been a source of cultural influence, and the duo’s music reflects that legacy.

Their impact continues to resonate, as seen in their recent Tiny Desk performance for Black Music Month. The set highlighted their ability to evolve while staying grounded in the sound that first defined them. Blending Southern hip hop with musical elements shaped by blues traditions, they delivered a performance supported by live instrumentation and a catalog that spans decades.

What sets 8Ball and MJG apart is not just their influence, but their consistency. Their partnership has endured over time, reflecting a sense of unity that mirrors the community they come from. Their music carries the weight of Memphis history while continuing to connect with new generations.

Their continued presence is a reminder that Memphis music does not stand still. It grows, adapts, and carries its origins forward. From Orange Mound to global audiences, their legacy remains an essential part of the story.

Memphis Rap OGz: Honoring the Foundations of a Genre

The Memphis Rap OGz represent the origin story of the city’s influential hip hop sound. Bringing together pioneers such as Frayser Boy, DJ Zirk, Tom Skeemask, Gangsta Blac, Kia Shine, and Al Kapone, the collective highlights artists who helped define Memphis rap during its formative years.

Their recent performance at the RiverBeat Festival, accompanied by an Academy Award in-hand, marked a rare moment where multiple generations of Memphis rap talent shared one stage. The set celebrated decades of innovation that shaped the gritty, bass-heavy sound now heard across mainstream hip hop.

By coming together in this way, the Memphis Rap OGz not only honored their own contributions but also highlighted the city’s lasting influence on global music culture. Their work continues to serve as a foundation for artists building today.

Tay Keith: Defining the Sound of a Generation

Tay Keith emerged as one of the most influential producers of modern hip hop, helping shape the sound of an era with unmistakable precision. Born and raised in Memphis, his work carried the city’s signature grit while translating it into global hits that defined mainstream rap in the late 2010s and beyond.

He first gained widespread recognition through his breakout production on BlocBoy JB’s “Look Alive” featuring Drake, a track that quickly propelled him into the national spotlight. From there, his momentum accelerated with major contributions to chart-topping records such as Travis Scott’s “Sicko Mode,” which earned him a Grammy nomination and solidified his reputation as a hitmaker.

Known for his hard-hitting production style rooted in Memphis trap traditions, Tay Keith combined heavy basslines, sharp percussion, and minimalist melodies to create a sound that was both raw and widely accessible. His signature producer tag became instantly recognizable, signaling energy, intensity, and cultural authenticity.

Throughout his career, he collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Drake, Beyoncé, Eminem, Lil Baby, and 21 Savage. His work not only shaped individual hits but also contributed to the broader evolution of hip hop, helping bring Memphis influence back to the forefront of the global music conversation for the next generation.

GloRilla: Memphis NEXT GEN Hip-HOP AND Energy on a Global Stage

GloRilla emerged as one of the most dynamic voices in contemporary hip hop, bringing the raw energy of Memphis directly into the mainstream. A North Memphis native, her rise reflected both the city’s influence and her ability to translate it into a sound that resonated widely.

Her breakthrough came in 2022, when her hit “F.N.F. (Let’s Go)” introduced her unapologetic style, distinctive delivery, and unmistakable Memphis accent to a global audience. From that moment, she quickly became a defining figure of a new generation of artists, known for her authenticity, humor, and cultural presence.

Her connection to Memphis remained central to her identity, shaping both her sound and her storytelling. Whether through interviews or performances, she consistently reflected the tone, cadence, and perspective of the city that raised her.
Through rapid success and continued evolution, GloRilla played a key role in bringing Memphis back into the forefront of modern hip hop culture.

Valerie June: A Voice That Transcends Genre and Borders

Valerie June brings a distinct and deeply expressive voice to the global music landscape. Born in West Tennessee and shaped by time in Memphis, she blends elements of folk, blues, gospel, soul, and Appalachian traditions into a sound that feels entirely her own.

A Grammy-nominated artist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, June has built a reputation for music that is both expansive and deeply personal. Her work reflects a commitment to storytelling that draws from Southern roots while embracing creativity without boundaries.

Beyond music, she is also an author and wellness practitioner, incorporating themes of mindfulness and joy into her art. With performances on global stages and collaborations with renowned artists across genres, Valerie June continues to expand the reach of Memphis sound in ways that feel both grounded and visionary.

Continuing the Sound of Memphis Beyond June

Black Music Month in Memphis is a reminder that the city’s influence is not confined to the past. It is alive in the artists creating today and in the communities that support them.
From musicians carrying forward blues traditions to innovators reshaping the industry, Memphis continues to be a place where music evolves in meaningful ways. Each artist contributes to a larger story that reflects both heritage and possibility.

As the city celebrates Black Music Month, one thing remains clear. Memphis does not just reflect music history. It continues to define it.

Tell us your Black Music Month story, share with #wearememphis!