The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) kicked off Black Music Month with its fourth annual My Music Matters: A Celebration of Legends Lunch on Thursday, June 1, 2017 at City Winery in Nashville, TN. This year, the Museum honored icons Patti LaBelle, Kirk Franklin, Teddy Riley and David Porter for their invaluable contributions to music and American culture. Actor and comedian David Mann served as master of ceremonies for the afternoon and artists Mannie Fresh, Dave Hollister, Le’Andria Johnson, Tamela Mann, Kelly Price, Jeremy O’Bryan Jones and Avery Wilson treated the 400-plus guests to unforgettable tribute performances.
Â
The My Music Matters: A Celebration of Legends Lunch is a signature event created by NMAAM in 2014 to celebrate African American music icons and the legacy of African American music. It is an extension of The Museum’s My Music Matters programing, which provides opportunities to explore the global influence of African American music. Proceeds from the Celebration of Legends Luncheon will benefit the Museum, which is scheduled to open its doors in Nashville in 2019.Â
