Located in Nashville, Tennessee, the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) is a celebration of the rich musical legacy and cultural contributions of African Americans. As people reflect on Black History Month, this museum stands as a testament to the powerful role Black musicians have played in shaping the world of music and beyond.
The National Museum of African American Music highlights the profound influence African Americans have had on music, from gospel to jazz, blues, soul, and hip-hop. Through a diverse collection of exhibits, the museum showcases the evolution of these genres and the key figures who shaped them. Visitors can explore the musical journey from slavery and the spirituals that emerged from the Black community, to the revolutionary sounds of artists like Duke Ellington, Aretha Franklin, and Tupac Shakur. Special exhibitions during Black History Month provide deeper insight into the historical and cultural significance of African American musicians, reflecting on their struggles, triumphs, and the ongoing fight for racial equality and representation in the arts.
NMAAM’s mission is its commitment to education. Through interactive exhibits, multimedia displays, and immersive experiences, the museum engages visitors in the rich history of African American music. It offers an opportunity for people of all ages to learn about the profound impact these artists had on the music industry and global culture. The museum also hosts various educational programs, including workshops, lectures, and performances that explore different aspects of African American musical history. These programs are designed to inspire future generations of artists and musicians, fostering pride in Black culture while encouraging creativity and expression in young minds.
The museum’s collection includes an impressive display of rare and unique artifacts that offer visitors a look at the music history that has shaped so much of modern culture. Some highlights include iconic instruments, handwritten song lyrics, original vinyl records, and personal items from legends such as Miles Davis, Mahalia Jackson, and Chuck Berry. These artifacts help bring the stories of these pioneering musicians to life, offering a glimpse into their creative processes and personal lives. NMAAM’s collections are a treasure trove for music lovers and history enthusiasts alike, and they continue to attract attention for their rarity and cultural importance.
The National Museum of African American Music does more than preserve history—it serves as a catalyst for creativity and change. By sharing the stories of these artists, the museum inspired countless visitors, mainly young people, to pursue careers in music and the arts. Through its many community programs and events, the museum fosters a sense of connection and unity, inviting visitors to celebrate the cultural contributions of African Americans and explore their own artistic potential. The museum is also a key part of Nashville’s musical scene, often hosting performances, art shows, and collaborative projects with local musicians. These events provide a space for emerging talent to be discovered and nurtured, ensuring that the legacy of African American music continues to evolve and thrive.
Dexter D. Evans serves as the Senior Adviser for Strategic Advancement at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM). In an interview with him, he describes the museum as the epicenter of Black music and culture for the nation, serving as a historical preservation site for some of the world’s most iconic artists and executives. These individuals have contributed to the American soundtrack through the 50+ genres that have been created and/or influenced by Black musicianship and artistry. The museum contributes to preserving African American musical heritage by housing and archiving some of the greatest moments in Black music, both contemporary and historical. This spans all genres, musicians, and executives, with comprehensive archival efforts, exhibitions, and documentation of Black music’s impact across generations. In educating the public about African American music history, the museum fulfills multiple roles. It offers gallery exhibitions and curatorial displays, educational and public programming for communities, concert series and speaking engagements, panel discussions and talk-backs, and support for artists through the R&B Foundation. Dexter hopes visitors leave the museum feeling inspired and exuberant, educated and proud, and eager to learn more about the excellence of Black music. He wants the museum to become their favorite museum experience, where they can truly feel its mission as they walk through.
The museum has influenced and inspired many notable musicians and artists. For example, 50 Cent donated his 2002 outfit and encouraged others like Snoop Dogg and Mary J. Blige to contribute. Other visitors have included PJ Morton, Leon Bridges, Duran Bernard, Coco Jones, and Chaka Khan. Doug E. Fresh, Jill Scott, and Darius Rucker have also been inspired to visit and engage with the museum. Among the most notable exhibits are the George Clinton exhibit featuring 30 visual art pieces, the “Black Music Black Life” exhibit showcasing Dr. David Ikard’s work, a special James Brown artifacts exhibition, and the upcoming Fisk Jubilee Singers traveling exhibit, “Jubilation.” The museum has rare and unique artifacts such as Billie Holiday’s signed Copacabana contract, Louis Armstrong’s gold-plated trumpet, Alicia Keys’ kimono, Usher’s Nike jacket, and multiple Grammy Awards from various artists. These pieces are acquired through direct artist donations, purchases, and relationships with collectors and artists’ estates.
Visitors should look out for the upcoming traveling exhibit, “Jubilation,” which will tell the heralded story of the Fisk Jubilee Singers and their role in Nashville becoming Music City. A particularly meaningful piece for Dexter is the full outfit donated by 50 Cent, as he facilitated that donation. He is also proud of bringing Leon Bridges to the museum and securing his guitar for the collection. One major upcoming project is the Fisk Jubilee Singers traveling exhibition, which will tour 20 cities across the Southeastern United States, targeting regions with HBCUs, Black megachurches, and cultural centers.
Looking ahead to the next 10-20 years, Dexter envisions NMAAM becoming financially self-sustaining, a global destination for music lovers, and a major economic driver for Middle Tennessee. He hopes it will become a household name and trusted institution, the premier research repository for Black music, and a comprehensive preservation site for African American music legacies. As Black History Month continues to be celebrated, the National Museum of African American Music remains a vital resource for understanding the enduring legacy of African American musicians and the music they created. Through its dedication to education, preservation, and community engagement, NMAAM continues to inspire new generations of artists, musicians, and music lovers, ensuring that the contributions of African Americans to the world of music will never be forgotten.
