Honoring the Past and Building the Future with The Rhythm and Blues Preservation Society
- So FN Dope Magazine
- Apr 28
- 3 min read
In an era where musical trends can often change in the blink of an eye, a brilliant visionary is quietly leading a movement that could change the way we teach and honor Black music history for generations to come.
Perry Thompson, founder of The Rhythm and Blues Preservation Society, is a graduate of LaGuardia High School of Music and Performing Arts, born visually impaired but gifted with an extraordinary musical ability. His passion and purpose have merged into a mission—to preserve and elevate the legacy of Black music and those who helped shape it.
“I created this organization to honor those who contributed to the culture of Black music,” Thompson tells So FN Dope Magazine. “So many artists have paved the way and have made major contributions, but sadly, many have not been recognized.”
And that’s where The Rhythm and Blues Preservation Society steps in—not just to archive and celebrate the past, but to actively teach it, promote it, and embed it into the future of education.
Teaching the Legacy: The Youth and the Culture
With growing efforts across the country to rethink what is taught in schools, Thompson and his team are fighting to ensure that Black music culture is front and center.
“The reason why it's so important to teach the youth about Black music culture is because Black music has influenced the world,” Thompson says. “It's important that the youth know their history, and Black music history is vital to be taught.”
The organization’s ambitious goal? To establish African American Music Studies as a recognized degree program across colleges and universities in America by the year 2030.
Academic Activism: From Lectures to Libraries
The journey has already begun. In 2022, The Rhythm and Blues Preservation Society launched its National and International Library Curation Campaign, partnering with more than 20 academic institutions.
“We've worked with schools like Yale University, Stockton University, Jackson State University, King's College in London, and the University of Toronto and Alberta in Canada,” Thompson shares proudly. “The response from the students and staff has been great! They never knew so many books were about Black music culture.”
Alongside the curation efforts, the organization has delivered lectures and collaborated with political figures and educational organizations like the National Association of Music Educators to advocate for music studies rooted in Black heritage.
"Conversations in Music": An Archive of Voices
During the pandemic, when the world was searching for connection and healing, Thompson launched Monday Music Spotlight, an Instagram Live series under the "Conversations in Music" umbrella. The show became a sanctuary for legendary artists to tell their stories, unfiltered and revered.
“We've interviewed Meli’sa Morgan, Skyy, Ms. Claudette Robinson, The D.O.C., Reggie Calloway of Midnight Star, and others,” Thompson recounts. “My favorites were Ms. Claudette Robinson and The D.O.C. by far! I was honored to interview artists I grew up listening to.”
This series didn’t just entertain—it educated. It bridged the gap between generations and brought untold stories to light, many of which had been long overlooked by mainstream platforms.
A Vision for the Next Decade
As The Rhythm and Blues Preservation Society grows, Thompson sees a future where their impact becomes institutionalized and widespread.
“In 10 years, I see us having a nationwide curriculum in all schools and universities. I’m especially grateful for my VP/COO Artist-In-Residence, Dr. Sonja Elise Freeman aka Queen Diva. She saw the vision from the beginning and helped it flourish. Also, special thanks to Ms. Lisa Charles, our Assistant Marketing Director, who supported our first toy drive and our RBPS Day in Atlantic City—where we were honored with a Proclamation on February 21st, 2022.”
Follow the Movement
To join the movement or learn more about the work being done to preserve Black music history, follow the Rhythm and Blues Preservation Society online:
Facebook: @RBPSOC
Twitter/X: @RBPSOC
TikTok: @RBPSOC
YouTube: @RBPSOC
As Perry Thompson’s journey shows, preserving history is more than just remembering the past—it’s about securing a legacy. Through education, advocacy, and storytelling, The Rhythm and Blues Preservation Society ensures that the heartbeat of Black music not only endures—but thrives.
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