Beginning February 4, SiriusXM launched several limited-engagement music channels saluting some of the most influential, pioneering Black artists including Aretha Franklin and Miles Davis, in addition to celebrating the sounds and artists from legendary record label, Motown. SiriusXM has collaborated with these historic artists and their teams to create unique, curated radio channels exclusively for listeners and fans.
Across SiriusXM channels, Pandora stations, and Stitcher podcasts, listeners will find a variety of specialty programming celebrating the impact of Black culture, traditions, history, and those who we call “wave-makers.” For a full schedule of all Black History Month special programming on SiriusXM please visit: https://siriusxm.com/black-history-month.
A complete line-up of programming celebrating Black History Month below.
SiriusXM Special Music Programming:
The Aretha Franklin Channel will pay homage to the ‘Queen of Soul’ by featuring Franklin’s iconic catalog, from her early recordings to biggest hits, which have withstood the test of time. Listeners can also expect to hear music from artists that have been influenced by Franklin. The Aretha Franklin Channel will be available on the SXM App in the Hip-Hop/R&B category beginning February 4 for 30 days. SiriusXM channel 104 will become the Aretha Franklin Channel from February 14 through February 20.
Miles Davis Radio will honor one of the most significant and acclaimed figures in the history of jazz music by showcasing music from over 100 of Davis’ albums and featuring alumni band members as hosts. These band members include Marcus Miller, Lenny White, John Beasley, Joey DeFrancesco, Vince Wilburn Jr., and others. Miles Davis Radio will be available on the SXM App in the Jazz/Standards category beginning February 4 for 30 days. SiriusXM channel 67 (Real Jazz) will become Miles Davis Radio from February 14 through February 20.
The Motown Channel will celebrate the iconic record label envisioned by Berry Gordy that generated history-making artists who changed music forever. The channel will feature music from Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Jackson 5, and more. A special virtual event celebrating the 60th Anniversary of The Supremes, with founding member the late Mary Wilson, will also be broadcast on the channel. The Motown Channel will be available on the SXM App beginning February 4 for 30 days. SiriusXM channel 49 (Soul Town) will become The Motown Channel from February 21 through February 27.
Rock the Bells (ch. 43) and Hip-Hop Nation (ch. 44) “Save the Music’s J Dilla Day” – On February 7, SiriusXM will celebrate the life and legacy of rapper J Dilla with a special conversation with his mother, Maureen Yancey. SiriusXM listeners will hear details on-air about Save The Music’s J Dilla Tech Grant, which offers new pathways for students interested in the art and science of beat-making, music production, and more, by delivering the future of music-learning through innovative tech tools and curriculum outside the traditional music programs.
BB King’s Bluesville (ch. 74) “Influences of the Blues with Keb Mo”- Blues legend Keb Mo gives insight into the music of influential African American Blues artists debuting on February 1 with encores throughout the month. The special will also be available for streaming through the SXM App.
Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Radio (ch. 19) “Bob Marley Roots 77 Birthday Concert” – In honor of what would’ve been iconic musician Bob Marley’s 77th birthday on February 6, Tuff Gong Radio is airing a special concert recorded at Tuff Gong International Studios in Kingston, Jamaica. The lineup includes reggae, roots, and dancehall legends as well as contemporary stars all paying tribute – featuring Marcia Griffiths, Bugle, Amanyea, Tony Rebel, Gyptian, Queen Ifrica, and Black Am I. Launching February 6 on Tuff Gong Radio, then on the SXM App beginning February 7.
The Groove (ch. 50), “Funkiest Funk Songs of All Time”– Funk legend Bootsy Collins counts down all your favorite 1970’s funk songs from George Clinton to The Commodores. “Funkiest Funk Songs of All Time” will air February 20 at 12 PM ET and will become available for streaming on the SXM App beginning February 21.
Heart and Soul (ch. 48) “Black History Month Kick Off”– Multi-GRAMMY® winning singer and songwriter PJ Morton and his band join Cayman Kelly for “Live from the Gumbo Recording Studios” in New Orleans. Morton will perform music from his new project coming later this year and some of his classic hits. The special will air February 1 at 5 PM ET and will be rebroadcast February 5 at 12 PM ET and February 6 at 8 PM ET.
Heart and Soul (ch. 48) “90s Trailblazers”– India Arie, Leela James and Ledisi spin their favorite 90s hits live, starting February 21 at 5 PM ET with new episodes each Saturday.
The Heat (ch. 46) “Future Black History ”– R&B star Chloe Bailey spotlights emerging R&B and hip-hop acts who are set to make ‘future history’ on the charts and in culture. “Future Black History” airs February 18 at 11 AM ET and will be available for streaming on the SXM App beginning February 19.
Real Jazz (ch. 67) “Town Hall with Christian McBride” – Seven-time GRAMMY® winning bassist, 2022 GRAMMY® Nominee, and SiriusXM Jazz host of “The Lowdown: Conversations with Christian,” Christian McBride is joined by a select group of fans answering questions in a virtual SiriusXM Town Hall discussing his career and a presentation of his epic work, “The Movement Revisited,” honoring Civil Rights icons Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, and Martin Luther King Jr. The special will air February 3 at 6 PM ET and rebroadcast throughout the week.
Real Jazz (ch. 67) “Town Hall with Terence Blanchard” – Acclaimed trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard made history in 2021 becoming the first African American composer to have an opera performed at the iconic Metropolitan Opera House. Terence Blanchard answers questions from a select group of fans for a virtual SiriusXM Town Hall discussing his operatic work, “Fire Shut Up In My Bones,” his Oscar nomination for “Da 5 Bloods” soundtrack and his genre-bending, GRAMMY® nominated latest album, Absence. The special will air February 20 at 3 PM ET and rebroadcast throughout the week.
Rock the Bells (ch. 43) “Trailblazers of Hip-Hop”– Chuck D, Grandmaster Caz and Sha-Rock will host a one-hour special spotlighting some of the important early trailblazers of hip-hop including Silver Fox, Reggie Reg, Special K, and Afrika Islam. “Trailblazers of Hip-Hop” will premiere February 17 at 12 PM ET and will be available on the SXM App from February 17- March 3.
Additional Black History Month programming across SiriusXM’s music channels includes “The Top 50 70s Soul Stars Countdown” hosted by Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. on 70s on 7; TLC as featured hosts on 90s on 9; Famed writer and producer Jimmy Jam joined by SiriusXM host Chris Carter for “Twist And Shout: The Beatles’ Connection to R&B and Soul Music” featuring Beatles songs performed by R&B artists and R&B songs covered by The Beatles, plus the four-part series “A Shot of Rhythm and Blues: Exploring The Beatles and Black Music” hosted by Meshell Ndegeocello, all on The Beatles Channel; “The Top 10 R&B Artists to Inspire Classic Rock hosted by Steve Jordan” on Classic Vinyl; “Benmont Tench Show” with Heartbreaker keyboardist Benmont Tench showcasing inspirational rhythm & blues and soul artists who influenced The Heartbreakers sound and the “New Guy Show” with Heartbreaker Steve Ferrone where Ferrone will spotlight influential artists like John Lee Hooker, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee, James Brown, and more, both on Tom Petty Radio; “Adam Clayton’s Playlist,” featuring alternative soul artists on U2 X-Radio, and more.
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