"Collaborations and partnerships are essential in today's cultural business.  The successful collaboration between The Arts League of Michigan and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum produced this exciting exhibition.  Were it not for the collaboration, this exhibition would not exist.  Each partner brought unique knowledge, resources and sensitivities to the venture.  The project could not have been achieved independently.  Neither organization could have achieved this outcome alone!" stated Oliver Ragsdale, Jr., President of the Arts League of Michigan.

The Arts League of Michigan commissioned the artists whose works appear in this historic exhibition.  After a lengthy and challenging selection process the following Detroit based African American artists were selected to produce original works for this exhibition; James Spearman, Geoff Gillespie, Ivan Stewart, Gigi Boldon, Barbara Brown King, Yvonne Lamar Rogers, Jason Phillips, Jasmine Murrell, LaVern Homan and Senghor Reid.  The art in this exhibition represents nine different genres in the development of African American music, Juju, Antebellum, Gospel, Rhythm and Blues, Jazz, Soul Funk and Hip Hop.