Black Music Sunday: Celebrating and honoring the memory of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on Jan. 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. After years of racist resistance in the United States, his birthday is now celebrated as a national holiday every third Monday of January. King was not just a Black American icon, he was a beloved global figure. As such, his life, civil rights work, and tragic death by assassination have inspired millions of people worldwide; among them are many musicians and songwriters.

RELATED STORY: The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. loved Black music and musicians loved him back.”

Black Music Sunday normally highlights the work of Black musicians, but this week we’ll look at artists of all backgrounds, from around the world and here at home, who have honored this very special Black hero.  

Black Music Sunday is a weekly series highlighting all things Black music. With over 140 stories (and counting) covering performers, genres, history, and more, each featuring its own vibrant soundtrack, I hope you’ll find some familiar tunes and perhaps an introduction to something new.