The Essence Music Festival will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2014, and the legendary musician Prince is officially on board to commemorate the event with a headlining performance!
During the Fourth of July weekend (July 3-6, 2014), the Purple One will descend upon the Superdome, not only to celebrate the festival’s 20th birthday, but also in support of the Rebuild the Dream Innovation Fund Youth Empowerment Initiative (#YesWeCode) which encourages the youth to use technology mixed with creativity to code.
“Welcoming an artist as iconic as Prince back to the ESSENCE Festival for a 20th anniversary performance is incredibly exciting,” said Essence Communications President, Michelle Ebanks. “The ESSENCE Festival is where we come together to connect to both our culture and our community, so we are pleased to support Prince and the Rebuild the Dream Innovation Fund in advocating for our youth.”
Prince also headlined the Festival’s 10-year anniversary in 2004. This year’s Essence Fest welcomed over 540,000 people, breaking an attendance record. Other performers will be announced in coming weeks.
For more information on Rebuild the Dream initiative #YesWeCode, visit yeswecode.com, and to purchase tickets to the 2014 20th Anniversary of the Essence Festival, visit www.essencefestival.com.
Are you ready to experience the ultimate musical celebration? Get ready because Prince is set to headline the 20th anniversary of the Essence Music Festival in 2014!
This highly anticipated event will mark two decades of unforgettable performances, cultural experiences, and empowerment for black women.
The Essence Music Festival has a rich history and legacy that continues to inspire music lovers around the world. Since its inception in 1995, it has become one of the largest gatherings of African American musicians, artists, and entertainers in the world.
With Prince as their headliner, this year’s festival promises to be even more epic than ever before. So get your dancing shoes on and prepare yourself for an unforgettable weekend filled with soulful music and good vibes!
The History and Legacy of the Essence Music Festival
You’ll be amazed by the rich history and powerful legacy of the Essence Music Festival. It all started in 1995 when Essence Communications Inc. decided to create a festival that would celebrate African American culture and music.
The first edition of the festival was held in New Orleans, Louisiana, and featured performances by some of the biggest names in R&B, including Luther Vandross and Toni Braxton.
Over the years, the festival has grown into one of the most important events on the music calendar. It has attracted millions of fans from around the world and showcased some of the best talent in hip hop, jazz, blues, gospel, and soul.
More than just a music festival, it’s also an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate their shared heritage.
The Essence Music Festival has also been a platform for social activism. In 2011, for example, organizers used it as an opportunity to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS among African American women. They hosted a series of workshops and discussions on prevention strategies and treatment options.
This kind of community engagement is what sets this festival apart from others – it’s not just about entertainment but also about education and empowerment.
Prince’s Impact on the Essence Music Festival and the Music Industry as a Whole
You’re bound to feel the influence of a legendary performer when attending events that celebrate African American culture and music, like this festival. And there’s no denying that Prince is one of those performers who has left an indelible mark on the Essence Music Festival and the music industry as a whole.
His impact can be felt in every chord he plays, every note he sings, and every move he makes. Prince first graced the Essence Music Festival stage in 2004, delivering a performance that was nothing short of electrifying. He brought his signature style and sound to the stage with hits like ‘Purple Rain,’ ‘Kiss,’ and ‘When Doves Cry.’ But it wasn’t just his musical prowess that left such an impression on festival-goers; it was also his showmanship, flair for theatrics, and undeniable charisma.
Over the years, Prince continued to make appearances at the festival, cementing his status as one of its most iconic performers. And while his untimely passing in 2016 left a void in the music world that will never be filled, his legacy lives on through his music and performances.
As we look back on two decades of Essence Music Festival history, it’s impossible not to recognize Prince’s profound impact on this event and the industry as a whole.
Conclusion
So there you have it, dear reader. The 20th anniversary of the Essence Music Festival promises to be one for the books with none other than Prince himself headlining the event.
This is a testament to both the festival’s history and legacy as well as Prince’s impact on the music industry as a whole.
As you prepare for this monumental event, take a moment to reflect on how far both the festival and Prince have come in their respective journeys.
And when you finally hear those iconic chords coming from that legendary guitar, let yourself get lost in the music and enjoy every moment of this historic occasion.
