Celebrating Black Music Month with PBS NC

Honoring the Stories, Sound and Roots of Black Musicians

June marks Black Music Month—a time to celebrate the legacy and impact of Black musicians who shape the soundscape of our culture. PBS North Carolina honors this celebration by spotlighting artists from our state, including Rissi Palmer, Rhiannon Giddens, Nnenna Freelon, Quentin Talley, Reuben Vincent and more. Through shows like Shaped by Sound, Gospel, Music at the Museum and more, we invite you to experience the stories, struggles and triumphs behind the music.

Join us this month as we amplify the voices and talents that continue to define Black music in North Carolina and beyond on PBS NC and the PBS app. 

Rhiannon Giddens

Grammy winner and MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipient Rhiannon Giddens is a North Carolinian currently carving out an impressive legacy as a singer, songwriter, banjo player and actress who keeps adding strings to her bow. Rhiannon has performed on Austin City Limits, Craft in America, My Music with Rhiannon Giddens and more, streaming now on the PBS app.

Nnenna Freelon

Jazz legend Nnenna Freelon has seven Grammy nominations and has performed in the most prestigious venues on the planet. Nnenna has been featured on Shaped by Sound, Black Issues Forum, My Home, NC and more, streaming now on the PBS app.

Rissi Palmer

Singer-songwriter Rissi Palmer, whose performances span the White House, Lincoln Center and the Grand Ole Opry, is a passionate voice for country music artists of color and those who have been marginalized by the mainstream music establishment. Rissi has performed on Music at the Museum, In Studio, Shaped by Sound, My Music with Rhiannon Giddens, Sonark Sessions: Live from the Barn and on American Masters, streaming now on the PBS app.

Amythyst Kiah

The Grammy-nominated Appalachian musician Amythyst Kiah has been called "one of Americana’s great up-and-coming secrets" by Rolling Stone. Amythyst has performed on Echo Sessions, The Express Way With Dulé Hill and Freight Train Blues, streaming now on the PBS app.

Shaped by Sound

This PBS NC original series, which spotlights North Carolina’s thriving music scene, features artists from a broad range of genres, including indie rock, hip-hop, R&B, alt-country, jazz, bluegrass and folk. Each episode weaves a visually stunning live studio performance by an NC artist or band with an intimate conversation about their creative journey.

Shaped by Sound: Music’s Legacy in North Carolina

Host of Black Issues Forum Kenia Thompson sits down with the Shaped by Sound host, James Mieczkowski. He is joined by guest Mark Anthony Neal, Duke University professor of African and African American Studies, to discuss the history of music across the state.

Watch Black Issues Forum, Fridays, 7 PM on PBS NC. Streaming now on the PBS app.

Music at the Museum

Musical artists perform at the North Carolina Museum of Art, sharing their music in a special series brought to you by the NC Museum of Art and NC Department of Cultural Resources. 

Watch Music at the Museum, streaming now on the PBS app.

Austin City Limits

Great music. No limits. Now the longest-running music series in American television history, ACL showcases popular music legends and innovators from every genre. In addition to being honored by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum as a rock and roll landmark, ACL is the only television program to ever receive the National Medal of Arts, the nation's highest award for artistic excellence.

Watch Austin City Limits, streaming now on the PBS app.

In Performance at The White House

In Performance at The White House was created to showcase the rich fabric of American culture in the setting of the nation's most famous home. Since 1978, the program has embraced virtually every genre of American performance art.

Watch In Performance at The White House, streaming now on the PBS app.

A Wu-Tang Experience: Live at Red Rocks Amphitheatre

In 2021, Wu-Tang Clan, backed by the Colorado Symphony, attempted a unique experiment in live entertainment. By night’s end, 10,000 fans witnessed the most extraordinary concert in the history of hip-hop music. Welcome to “A Wu-Tang Experience.”

Watch A Wu-Tang Experience: Live at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, streaming now on the PBS app.

Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands

Discover an international singer who captivated royalty in Europe and defied the conscience of 1939 America. Watch rare archival footage and hear audio recordings exploring her life and career from the Metropolitan Opera to the State Department.

Watch American Masters' "Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands," streaming now on the PBS app only with PBS NC Passport.

Little Richard: King and Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll

Experience the meteoric rise and enduring legacy of Little Richard. This portrait of the “King and Queen of Rock and Roll” explores his far-reaching influence as well as his advocacy for the rights of Black artists in the music industry.

Watch American Masters' "Little Richard: King and Queen of Rock 'n' Roll," streaming now on the PBS app only with PBS NC Passport.

Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes

Experience the groundbreaking sounds of bebop pioneer and virtuoso composer Max Roach, whose far-reaching ambitions were inspired and challenged by the inequities of the society around him.

Watch American Masters' "Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes," streaming now on the PBS app only with PBS NC Passport.

Roberta Flack

Follow music icon Roberta Flack from a piano lounge through her rise to stardom. From “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” to “Killing Me Softly,” Flack’s virtuosity was inseparable from her commitment to civil rights. Detailing her story in her own words, the film features exclusive access to Flack’s archives and interviews with Rev. Jesse Jackson, Peabo Bryson and more.

Watch American Masters' "Roberta Flack," streaming now on the PBS app only with PBS NC Passport.

Just a Mortal Man: The Jerry Lawson Story

Jerry Lawson was the original lead singer of the legendary a cappella group The Persuasions, first discovered by Frank Zappa in the early '70s. During his 40-year tenure with the group, Jerry recorded 24 albums, toured internationally and sang alongside Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon and Joni Mitchell, among others.

Watch Just a Mortal Man: The Jerry Lawson Story, streaming now on the PBS app only with PBS NC Passport.

Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed the World

Chuck D of Public Enemy explores Hip Hop’s political awakening over the last 50 years. With a host of rap stars and cultural commentators he tracks Hip Hop’s socially conscious roots. From The Message to Fight The Power 2020, he examines how Hip Hop has become "the Black CNN."

Watch Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed the World, streaming now on the PBS app only with PBS NC Passport.

Jazz: A Film by Ken Burns

Jazz has been called the purest expression of American democracy; a music built on individualism and compromise, independence and cooperation. Ken Burns follows the growth and development of jazz music from the gritty streets of New Orleans to Chicago's south side, the speakeasies of Kansas city and to Times Square.

Watch Jazz: A Film by Ken Burns, streaming now on the PBS app only with PBS NC Passport.

Gospel Live! Presented by Henry Louis Gates Jr.

Gospel Live! Presented by Henry Louis Gates Jr. is a concert celebration honoring the legacy of Gospel music in America. As a companion to Gospel, hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr., secular and gospel artists sing their favorite gospel classics.

Watch Gospel Live! Presented by Henry Louis Gates Jr., streaming now on the PBS app only with PBS NC Passport.

iHeartRadio Live with Earth, Wind & Fire

Join the legendary Grammy Award-winning band for an unforgettable night of music and celebration. With their signature blend of soul, funk, pop and R&B, the band delivers a high-energy performance with timeless hits, including “Shining Star,” “September,” “Boogie Wonderland,” “Let’s Groove,” “Serpentine Fire” and more.

Watch iHeartRadio Live with Earth, Wind & Fire, streaming now on the PBS app only with PBS NC Passport.