About a decade ago, Perry Thompson moved to Atlantic City, where he would soon begin spreading the gospel about the impact of Black music around the world.
Perry Thompson, founder of the Rhythm and Blues Preservation Society in Atlantic City. Photo: Courtesy of Rhythm and Bues Preservation Society
He grew up musically gifted and legally blind in Queens, New York, and credits music with keeping him feeling empowered and fulfilled. He’s passionate about highlighting the significance of Black music, and in 2018 founded the Rhythm and Blues Preservation Society.
“Everyone is influenced by Black music,” says Thompson. “Everyone loves it, regardless of race.”
Much of popular music is rooted in the work of Black musicians, he says, who created, inspired and fostered genres including blues, folk, sacred, rock ’n’ roll and hip-hop.
In 2013, the society initiated Black music-book curation programs at almost 20 college and university libraries across the state (including Stockton University and Atlantic Cape Community College), nationally, and in England and Canada. Members have given lectures, performances, interviews, and readings for children.
The society is active on Facebook and YouTube.
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