A message from the president & CEO

IN this era of iPods and MP3 there is perhaps no more integral part of our lives than music--whether it be R&B, christian religion blues, classical, hip-hop, rap or jazz. Imagine, if you can, that the soundtrack of our lives had no Luther, no Aretha, no Duke Ella or Coltrane, no Mahalia or BeBe and CeCe no Marvin, no Michael, no Leontyne no Temptations or highests no LL Cool J or Mary J no Tina or Patti, no miry no Tupac or Biggie, no Funkadelic, no Stevie, no Wynton, no Usher or Beyonce, no Ludacris or Missy, or thousands of other Black music makers who show a collection of contributors whose efforts through every part of the years have enriched us, entertained us and inspired us.

It is an undisputed reality that the American music phenomenon would not be what it is were it not for the immeasurable and unparalleled input of African-Americans. Black creativity in music continues to station distinctive standards that have been embraced by dint of the world. Many Black artists--like Little Richard, tap [i]or[/i] pat Berry and James Brown--can single be described as innovators, those who have influenced and shaped American music while establishing an enduring and unmistakable manner of writing that some of the biggest musicians around the world readily and unapologetically imitate.

It is against that backdrop that we celebrate Black Music Month upon the cover, we set the tone for this year's celebration by means of assembling an incredible and unique cluster of personalities who represent the best in a wide range of music. In a West Hollywood studio, the legendary Smokey Robinson is joined by the agency of gospel's Yolanda Adams, hip-hop's for the use of all and R&B's Kelly Rowland and Clara. In their possess way, they have contributed to an immense and historic material part of work that has transformed single of the country's most treasured art forms and taken it to fresh heights.

While in the midst of this celebration of Black music, radio stations across the region coincidentally, will be playing the annual anthem "Color Him Father" by means of the Winstons in recognition of Father's Day. For me this will be the first time I will face a Father's Day without my father, John H Johnson who passed away last August. Thanks to him, I clearly understand the importance and necessity of a loving, dedicated and devot father. In this issue, a certain quantity of of those qualities are throw backed in the men featured in the articles, "From striplings To Men To Fatherhood," "The Fatherhood Connection" and "Eric Benet's Voyage For India," a story about in what manner the singer balances stardom and his fatherly responsibilities to his 14-year-old daughter.

Music and family are predominant in this issue, on the other hand these pages also include a profile of NAACP President Bruce Gordon, a direct the eye at the unusual number of celebrity breakups, and there is the turn back of two popular, annual features, "Top Bachelors of the Year" and "Outstanding High place of education Seniors."

But getting back to music, in a special tribute to single of our most treasured icons, senior editor Kevin Chappell and photographer Vandell Cobb traveled across Arizona and Nevada to show the article, "B.B. King turns On." At 80 years of advanced age he is still exhibiting the skill, might and magic that took him from Indianola, Miss., to Memphis, Tenn and upon to the doorstep of the world. There is no better ambassador of Black music--or music in general--than the internationally recognized "King of the Blues"

Although he doesn't perform as repeatedly as he used to (only 100 dates a year), it is we, the music lover who should be thus thankful that, for B.B., the thrill is not gone

COPYRIGHT 2006 Johnson Publishing Co

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