Dr. Samuel A. Floyd, Jr. established the Black Music Research Newsletter in 1977 while at the Project for Research in Black American Music at Southern Illinois University - Carbondale, Illinois, where it was published until summer 1978. Newsletters from fall 1978 through spring 1982 were published by Dr. Floyd at the Institute for Research in Black American Music at Fisk University, then jointly with Fisk University and Columbia College Chicago, where Dr. Floyd established the Center for Black Music Research in 1983. Issues of this newsletter, later, bulletin, were published solely by the CBMR from fall 1985 through 1990.
The newsletter promoted and encouraged scholarship and culture in black American music and black music worldwide. The primary audience and contributors were from the United States, although several pieces were submitted from around the world.
The publication originally held four sections: research news; foundation news; questions and answers; and announcement. Research news reported about recent scholarship and projects based in universities and research centers nationwide. Foundation news provided information about funding sources related to black music research. Questions and answers replied to short research inquiries. Announcements publicized concerts, festivals, conferences, and events
In 1988, the CBMR separated the content of the Newsletter, creating two publications: Black Music Research Bulletin, which continued to carry preliminary research news and articles, and the CBMR Digest, featuring news about black music, black music scholarship, and current research. Both titles were published until 1990 when the CBMR Bulletin ceased publication. The CBMR Digest continued its biannual issues until 2014.
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Black Music Research Newsletter, Fall 1978
Samuel Floyd
"Black Music Research Newsletter is now the official publication of Fisk University's new Institute for Research in Black American Music. The Newsletter will retain its original purpose, format, and publication schedule." Editor: Samuel A. Floyd, Jr. Editorial Board: Lynne Davis, Anita Trumpler. Vol 2, No. 2. 4 pages.
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Black Music Research Newsletter, Spring 1978
Samuel Floyd
"BMR NEWSLETTER is devoted to the encouragement and promotion of scholarship and cultural activity in black American music, and is intended to serve as a medium for the sharing of ideas and information regarding current and future research and musical activities in universities and research centers. " Editor: Samuel A. Floyd, Jr., Editorial Board: Lynne Davis, John M. Eddins, Anita Trumpler. Vol. 1., No. 4. 8 pages.
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Black Music Research Newsletter, Summer 1978
Samuel Floyd
"BMR NEWSLETTER is devoted to the encouragement and promotion of scholarship and cultural activity in black American music, and is intended to serve as a medium for the sharing of ideas and information regarding current and future research and musical activities in universities and research centers. " Editor: Samuel A. Floyd, Jr., Editorial Board: Azalia Bailey, Lynne Davis, John M. Eddins, Anita Trumpler. Vol. 2., No. 1. 6 pages.
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Black Music Research Newsletter, Winter 1978
Samuel Floyd
"BMR NEWSLETTER is devoted to the encouragement and promotion of scholarship and cultural activity in black American music, and is intended to serve as a medium for the sharing of ideas and information regarding current and future research and musical activities in universities and research centers. " Editor: Samuel A. Floyd, Jr., Editorial Board: Lynne Davis, John M. Eddins, Anita Trumpler. Vol. 1., No. 3. 8 pages.
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Black Music Research Newsletter, Fall 1977
Samuel Floyd
"BMR NEWSLETTER is devoted to the encouragement and promotion of scholarship and cultural activity in black American music, and is intended to serve as a medium for the sharing of ideas and information regarding current and future research and musical activities in universities and research centers." Editor: Sameul A. Floyd, Jr. Editorial Board: Lynne Davis, John M. Eddins, Anita Trumpler. Vol. 2, No. 2. 7 pages.
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Black Music Research Newsletter, Summer 1977
Samuel Floyd
"This Newsletter is devoted to the encouragement and cultural activity in black American music. It is intended to serve as a medium for the sharing of ideas and information regarding current and future research and musical activities in universities and research centers. The Newsletter welcomes contributions from scholars and performers everywhere." Editor: Samuel A. Floyd, Jr. Vol. 1, No. 1. 6 pages.