Each June, we celebrate Black Music Month, a time to honor the rhythms, voices, and stories of Black artists who have not only shaped musical genres, but also generations. From the soulful sounds of jazz and R&B to the lively beats of hip-hop and Afrobeats, Black music continues to shape our culture in profound ways.

This observance also shines a light on the songwriters, producers, engineers, and executives behind the scenes, the creative forces who bring the music to life. Visionaries like Berry Gordy Jr., who built Motown from the ground up, and Missy Elliot, whose innovative lyrics and productions have inspired sounds, exemplify this legacy.