They sang in the fields. They sang on the chain gangs. They sang in the churches. They sang in the bars. And because Black America has brought a myriad of music to these shores, America, rightfully so, has deemed it appropriate to dub June “Black Music Month.”

Blacks have, for years, been at the forefront of gospel music ― to the point where counterparts of different tribes emulate them throughout the country. Since the adage is “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” I guess Black folks ought to be glad that other groups are sounding like them and probably making more money for doing so in the process

You name it: Jazz, DooWop, Pop, Gospel― Blacks have cornered the market on taking words, putting them to music and then wowing their audiences with sounds so melodious one sometimes wonder how such talent can come from the vocal chords of these folks.

Of course, I write that rhetorically. Believers know that every good and perfect gift comes from the Lord.

I'm not a fan of rap music. I don't understand it. I don't like it. I don't want to hear it. Nevertheless, these kids from the 'hood, as it were, took a pronounced beat and took that beat and sometimes some very offensive words and created a multi-billion dollar business for the music moguls and a million dollar business for themselves.

After all, the "house" always gets the most ducats. Still, all of this so-called music came from the fertile minds of young Black folks who also understand marketing strategies sometimes better than the older generation who oftentimes relied solely on the record companies to tout their musical wares and hope for the best.

Black music, as we know it, has a different sound ― a soulful sound if you will. And, that's why Ella "wonderful" Fitzgerald and sassy Sarah Vaughn could sing a George Gershwin tune, put their own spin to it and knock 'em dead every time.

That's why the marvelous Marvin Gaye could sing “The Star-Spangled Banner" and have basketball fans begging for more.

That's why Blacks are imitated but never duplicated in the real sense. They are originals.They are young and not so young, but oh so gifted, and yes, Black!

Does my admiration for such talent rule out the musical gifts and talents of other tribes? Absolutely not!

But I know how hard it was, and still is, many times for African American artists to receive a semblance of what's due them. That's why many fled to Europe where they were appreciated more, especially our jazz artists.

”June is busting out all over,” said one songwriter. If this is true, one reason could be that Black folks, along with their Black music, are finally getting their due.