The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) has announced its collaboration with the Rhythm & Blues Foundation (R&B Foundation) to ensure the artists who shaped the music we love get the support they deserve. This partnership will see NMAAM join the R&B Foundation’s mission of providing financial assistance and opportunities to legendary Rhythm & Blues (R&B) artists facing financial hardship.

Formed in 1988, the R&B Foundation has a rich history of advocating for these iconic figures. They’ve provided grants to R&B artists for essentials like rent, utilities, and medical bills, ensuring these pioneers can live with dignity. The Foundation also boasts award-winning educational programs that celebrate R&B’s rich history and cultivate new generations of fans.

This collaboration will see NMAAM’s resources amplify the R&B Foundation’s existing programs. Together, they’ll administer grants through funds established by Motown/Universal Music Group, The Doc Pomus Estate, and Gwendolyn B. Gordy Fuqua. Notably, in 2024 alone, NMAAM and the R&B Foundation aim to distribute a cool $1 million in artist grants!

Miki Howard, a past grant recipient, knows firsthand the impact of the R&B Foundation’s work. “During the pandemic, I lost all my income,” she shared. “The R&B Foundation’s support was a lifeline.”

“We’re honored to work with the R&B Foundation,” said NMAAM’s Executive Director, Dion Brown. “These artists are the backbone of American music, and we want to ensure they can continue sharing their gifts.”

Damon Williams, Chairman of the R&B Foundation Board, echoed this sentiment. “Our artists face mounting challenges,” he explained. “This partnership allows us to expand our reach and offer crucial support at a critical time.”

The Rhythm & Blues Foundation is the only non-profit dedicated solely to R&B. They champion the music and the artists who created it, focusing on those who made their mark between the 1940s-1990s. Their founders include music legends like Ray Charles and Ruth Brown, a testament to the importance of this organization.

Looking to the future, the R&B Foundation and NMAAM will bridge generations through educational programs and community outreach initiatives, ensuring the legacy of R&B continues to inspire.