U.S. Census Bureau Black History Month Daily Feature for February 12

U.S. Census Bureau Black History Month Daily Feature for February 12

WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily Black History Month 2008 "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12: SINGERS

Profile America for the 12th day of Black History Month. One of the earliest African-American singing stars made her first recording this week in 1923 Bessie Smith's "Down Hearted Blues" sold 800,000 copies and started her on the road to fame as the "empress of the blues." From 78s to LPs, then to CDs and now electronic downloads, black vocalists have given pleasure to generations of Americans. Today, stars such as Vanessa Williams, 50 Cent and rising country singer Rissi Palmer continue the tradition. Singers and musicians are among the 203,000 across the country who make their living in the music business 9 percent of them African-American. This special edition of Profile America for Black History Month is a public service of the U.S. Census Bureau.

Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments ready to air on a monthly CD or on Internet at http://www.census.gov/ (look under the "Newsroom" button). For further information, contact Rick Reed at +1-301-763-2812, fax at +1-301-457-3670, or e-mail at rreed(At)census.gov.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

CONTACT: Rick Reed of the U.S. Census Bureau, +1-301-763-2812

Web Site:

http://www.census.gov/

-------
Profile: intent