The music industry is planning to turn off the music and hold a day to reflect and implement change in response to the death of George Floyd.
Several top record labels organized Black Out Tuesday as riots erupted around the world sparked by Floyd's death as well as the killings of Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor. Music-based companies Live Nation and TikTok, as well as the Recording Academy, posted to social media that it planned to support and stand with the black community.
"Columbia Records will observe 'Black Out Tuesday,' " said Sony, the label of Beyoncé, Bob Dylan, Adele and John Legend. "This is not a day off. Instead, this is a day to reflect and figure out ways to move forward in solidarity. We continue to stand with the Black community, our staff, artists, and peers in the music industry. Perhaps with the music off, we can truly listen."
Others that have joined include the Sony imprints RCA Records and Epic Records; the Universal Music Group divisions Republic Records, Def Jam, UMG Nashville, Capitol Records and Island Records; and the Warner Music Group imprints Atlantic and Warner Records. UMG's Interscope Geffen A&M said that in addition to joining Black Out Tuesday, the label home to Lady Gaga and Kendrick Lamar would not release music this week. "Instead, IGA will contribute to organizations that help to bail out protesters exercising their right to peacefully assemble, aid lawyers working for systemic change and provide assistance to charities focused on creating economic empowerment in the Black community," it said.
Musicians including Rihanna, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Lil Nas X, Post Malone and Harry Styles have spoken out following Floyd's death. Jay-Z called late Sunday for Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison to prosecute those responsible for killing Floyd, a handcuffed black man who pleaded for air as a white police officer pressed a knee on his neck. Jay-Z said, "I prevail on every politician, prosecutor and officer in the country to have the courage to do what is right. Have the courage to look at us as humans, dads, brothers, sisters and mothers in pain and look at yourselves."
Ricky Martin: 'It's OK not to feel OK'
The world paused and for the first time Ricky Martin felt anxiety. From his home in Los Angeles, where he worked with his foundation to get protective gear and food to hospitals and people in Puerto Rico and beyond, he followed the pandemic news and tried to hide his distress from his family. "I had never suffered from anxiety, and I left home when I was 12 (to join boy-band Menudo). But this is a new level. … I started making music and it was my medicine." The result is "Pausa," an EP that includes collaborations by Sting, Carla Morrison, Diego El Cigala and Pedro Capó. "It's OK not to feel OK and seek help," he said.
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