National Museum of African American Music celebrates legends, $2 million pledge from Vanderbilt

"One Nation Under a Groove."

That's not just a classic song by George Clinton's Parliament-Funkadelic. It's the motto of the National Museum of African American Music, which is set to open in downtown Nashville next year.

The museum aims to illustrate how African Americans have shaped countless musical genres, and how that influence unites us all. 

On Thursday night, "One Nation Under a Groove" wasn't just said. It was sung.

Clinton was one of three veteran musicians honored at the museum's annual Celebrations of Legends Gala in Nashville, along with Gloria Gaynor ("I Will Survive") and beatboxing pioneer Doug E. Fresh.

And the museum had plenty to sing about — including a $2 million pledge of support from Vanderbilt University, which was announced at the event.

The new partnership will support an expanded archival collection, programming and research, as well aiding in the completion of the facility.

"We'll be able to do so much from a cultural perspective," said H. Beecher Hicks III, the museum's president and CEO. "From telling these stories, working with scholars from around the world, enhancing our collection of artifacts, as well as getting the project done. It's really exciting to have them involved, and be our partner in education."

Gaynor and Fresh were on hand to accept their "Rhapsody & Rhythm" awards from the museum, and watch as other artists paid tribute to their songs. Clinton was originally scheduled to attend, but bowed out due to “unforeseen circumstances,” per the museum.

Help support local journalism. Become a subscriber today. 

The P-Funk architect sent a video message, and his daughter, Chrissy Sepolen, attended in his place. Ahead of the ceremony, Sepolen saw the museum building under construction, where a banner hangs with the "One Nation" motto.

"He's met his goal," she said. "Bringing people together through music and through funk has been his legacy. And he's done a good job of it. So I think that it's very fitting."

Acclaimed R&B artist Avery Sunshine performed “I Will Survive” in honor of Gaynor. Fresh was saluted by another commanding voice in hip-hop, Fatman Scoop, and a trio of talents dove into Clinton’s work: Louis York, The Shindellas and Mr. Talkbox.

"It's always wonderful to be honored by your own," Gaynor told The Tennessean. "But it's even more wonderful to me that so many great artists are being given their due, the opportunity to leave a legacy that younger people can come along and see, and know where their music comes from."

The future museum will be part of the $450 million Fifth + Broadway commercial development in downtown Nashville. The 56,000 square-foot facility will feature five permanent themed galleries — dedicated to gospel, blues, jazz, R&B and hip hop — a 200-seat theater and traveling exhibits.