ABC News will mark Juneteenth and Black Music Month with a special airing this Friday titled Sound of Freedom – A Juneteenth Celebration.
The one-hour primetime special, part of the network’s “Soul of a Nation” brand, will be hosted by country music star Jimmie Allen and feature performances by Patti LaBelle, Marvin Sapp and Jon Batiste, ABC said Tuesday in a press release.
The special also includes interviews with ABC News anchor Janai Norman as she explores the importance of ownership in music through conversations with Ciara, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
Related Story: Juneteenth Concert Featuring Michelle Williams, Anthony Hamilton, Yolanda Adams to Air Live on CNN
The primetime special is co-executive produced by Catherine McKenzie and Quiana Burns.
“During the Middle Passage, throughout the Underground Railroad, the Civil Rights Movement and today’s racial reckoning, music has always been an instrument for storytelling, mobilization and justice,” Burns said in a statement. “This special put together by an amazing team is a must-watch for all viewers.”
Added McKenzie, “From gospel and country to jazz, rock and today’s pop hits, every genre of American music is influenced by the Black Diaspora and our stories of survival, joy, pain and resilience. We’re looking forward to taking viewers on this musical journey in one of our most significant specials yet.”
ABC News’ “Soul of a Nation” was created by Marie Nelson, senior vice president of Integrated Content Strategy at the network. This is the third annual Juneteenth special ABC has produced.
Sound of Freedom – A Juneteenth Celebration airs Friday, June 17, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and will be available the next day on Hulu.
