UTS Staff 
Grammy Winner PJ Morton Leads Star-Studded Celebration as NMAAM Marks Five Years of Preserving Black Musical Excellence
NASHVILLE – The soundtrack of America begins with Black music, and this June, the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) is turning up the volume on that legacy.
Located in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, NMAAM has officially launched Black Music Month 2026 with an ambitious month-long celebration honoring the artists, innovators, and communities whose contributions have shaped music around the world. This year’s theme, “The Soundtrack Continues — 250 Years in the Making. Five Years in the Telling. Far From Finished,” also commemorates the museum’s fifth anniversary as the designated home of Black Music Month.
Throughout June, visitors can experience more than fifteen signature events featuring legendary performers, groundbreaking exhibitions, educational forums, film screenings, live podcast recordings, community celebrations, and cultural experiences that highlight the enduring impact of Black music.
At the center of this year’s celebration is six-time Grammy Award-winning artist PJ Morton, who has been named the 2026 Grand Marshal of Black Music Month. Known for his acclaimed solo career, his work with Maroon 5, and his deep roots in gospel, soul, and R&B, Morton represents the bridge between musical tradition and innovation.
A major highlight of the month is the opening of “Saturday Night Sunday Morning,” a landmark exhibition showcasing Morton’s life, career, and artistic journey. The exhibition opens June 18 and will remain on display through September 30. Visitors will also have an opportunity to participate in an exclusive listening experience featuring music from Morton’s upcoming album of the same name.
“I’m so excited to be partnering with NMAAM to show the span of my life and career,” Morton said. “Kicking it off during Black Music Month makes it even more special.”
The month’s programming celebrates both established icons and emerging voices. Music fans will enjoy appearances by legendary Parliament-Funkadelic founder George Clinton, country music advocate Rissi Palmer, recording artist Swamp Dogg, blues storyteller Guy Davis, and jazz-funk pioneers The Blackbyrds.
One of the most anticipated events is the inaugural Black Music Executive Toast, a networking celebration honoring the executives, managers, attorneys, publicists, and industry professionals working behind the scenes to move Black music forward.
The museum will also host a special Institutional Summit on Music, Healing & the Future, bringing together healthcare leaders, educators, artists, and industry executives to explore the connection between music, wellness, and community development.
Juneteenth celebrations will play a significant role in this year’s festivities. On June 19, NMAAM will open its doors for a free Community Day featuring live performances, film screenings, cultural presentations, and family-friendly activities. The museum will also partner with Juneteenth615 to bring a special pop-up museum experience into the community.
Beyond the concerts and exhibitions, NMAAM continues to serve as a powerful reminder of Black music’s profound influence on American culture. From gospel and blues to jazz, R&B, hip-hop, country, and beyond, the museum preserves and celebrates more than 50 genres created, inspired, or influenced by African Americans.
“This is the year everything we have built comes into full view,” said Dr. Dexter D. Evans, Deputy Director of Strategy & Advancement at NMAAM. “Living legends in our galleries, emerging artists on our stages, and a community that knows this museum belongs to them.”
Since opening its doors on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2021, NMAAM has welcomed visitors from all 50 states and more than 40 countries, solidifying its place as one of the nation’s premier cultural destinations.
As Black Music Month 2026 unfolds, the message is clear: the story of Black music is still being written, and the soundtrack continues to inspire generations around the world.
If You Go
National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM)
510 Broadway
Nashville, Tennessee
For tickets, event schedules, and programming details, visit NMAAM online and join the celebration of the music that shaped America.
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