This Black Music Month we are recognizing the industry stars we've lost since last June.
The month of June was officially recognized as African American Music Appreciation Month beginning in 1979. It marks a time to celebrate how Black music has influenced the nation and our culture.
Since last year's celebration, we've lost iconic Black stars including DJ Casper, who created the "Cha-Cha Slide," a hit still played and danced to at parties. Clarence Alexander Avant, widely known as the "Black Godfather of Entertainment," was a prominent music executive that we also lost in the past year.
Below we uplift the names of more late Black stars who will remembered for their impact on the music industry.
Brother Marquis
DJ Casper
Photo: Getty Images
Magoo
Photo: Getty Images
Irish Grinstead
Photo: Getty Images
Clarence Avant
Photo: Getty Images
Rudolph Isley
Photo: Getty Images
Young Capone
Photo: Getty Images
Mister Cee
Photo: Getty Images
Hinton Battle
Photo: Getty Images
Marlena Shaw
Photo: Getty Images
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