16282: Hershey’s Wrapper Music.

 

KIT KAT and Hershey Chocolate Company celebrate Black Music Month. Gimme a break.

 

13702: Shining Spotlight On Sun.

To celebrate African American Music Appreciation Month, check out the product placement with Sun and Bic.

8953: Draftfcb Celebrates Black Music Month.

This Draftfcb Press Release announced a Black Music Month celebration sponsored by the agency’s Black Employee Network. Draftfcb has a Black Employee Network? Where’s the press release on that? Hey, did parent company IPG celebrate Black Music Month by announcing Steve Stoute’s imminent departure?

MEDIA AND MUSIC MAVENS LAURENCE BOSCHETTO AND RYAN LESLIE CELEBRATE BLACK MUSIC MONTH

NEW YORK, Jun 30, 2011

Music producer, songwriter, recording artist and social media trailblazer Ryan Leslie shared the secrets to his grassroots success at a Draftfcb New York-sponsored Black Music Month celebration last night. Leslie, who was the producer and driving force behind “Cassie” who many consider the first internet pop star, told some 200 attendees how MySpace helped him attract a loyal consumer base that has blossomed via additional social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.



“I love the Internet because the metrics are very real,” said Leslie, who graduated from Harvard University at the young age of 19 and worked tirelessly to create content to promote his music. He silenced the naysayers who thought consumers would have no interest in wanting to know mundane details of his daily life. Instead, the connection created via social channels created a tremendously loyal bond with Leslie’s fans.



Draftfcb CEO and President Laurence Boschetto, who introduced Leslie at the event sponsored by the agency’s Black Employee Network, praised Leslie for monetizing social media. “I appreciate how deeply music resonates with consumers and how marketers can leverage those connections to sell their brands,” Boschetto said.



After leading an appreciative audience in a few verses of songs from the past, Boschetto pointed out how deep connections to music make lasting impressions. Musicians, added Boschetto, have long called consumers to action. Leslie, he said, is a strong voice today.



Leslie’s company NextSelection has helped brands including Lexis and Adidas build conversations with consumers.



Both executives urged attendees to find inspiration from those around them and to never give up the pursuit of their dreams. They encouraged the audience to fight for equality in their personal and professional lives, arguing that no one should be discriminated based on their race, religion, sexuality or gender.



“Tonight is really about diversity and inclusion,” said Boschetto. “We are trying to change things up a little. We are trying to create a unified whole because that should be the natural order of things. Perhaps music and social media are the platforms for our unified collective.”



The evening also included an inspired performance by two-time Emmy award winning artists Nuttin' But Stringz.



About Draftfcb

With its foundation based upon the equal principles of creativity and accountability, Draftfcb is the first global, fully integrated marketing communications agency to operate against a single P&L with one unified management team and no silos. The agency is driven by a singular focus on consumer behavior as expressed by its proprietary 6.5 Seconds That MatterSM operating system, which recognizes the brief period of time marketers have to capture consumers’ attention through creative executions that inspire them to act. The Draftfcb network spans 161 offices in 96 countries and employs more than 9,200 people.

5549: Dubya Proclaims Black Music Month.

For those who didn’t realize it, America is celebrating Black Music Month right now. In fact, here’s the official announcement from President George W. Bush…

Black Music Month, 2008
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

America’s diverse musical heritage exemplifies the creativity and optimism of our Nation. During Black Music Month, we celebrate the extraordinary talents and creativity of African-American singers, musicians, and composers whose achievements have enriched our culture and enhanced our lives.

For generations, African-American artists have created music that communicates across racial boundaries and expresses both joy and sorrow. When facing the cruelty of slavery and injustice, African Americans lifted spirituals to the heavens, bringing comfort to troubled souls. These timeless declarations of hope and faith evolved into the more modern genres of gospel, blues, ragtime, and jazz, and they are given voice in the musical genius of Scott Joplin, Marian Anderson, Eubie Blake, and Mahalia Jackson. During the Civil Rights era, African-American musicians such as Duke Ellington, Muddy Waters, and Ruth Brown conveyed the struggles of their communities while bringing people of all backgrounds together. Today, this music continues to inspire America’s citizens and advance its creative spirit.

Throughout the course of American history, black musicians have used their great talents to share the richness of the African-American experience and to develop a uniquely American style of music enjoyed throughout the world. This month, we honor the pioneers of African-American music and today's contemporary artists who have enriched the lives of people everywhere.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2008 as Black Music Month. I encourage all Americans to learn more about the history of black music and to enjoy the great contributions of African-American singers, musicians, and composers.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.

GEORGE W. BUSH

(Watch Dubya enjoying some Black music here.)