The Montreux Jazz Festival, held annually in Montreux, Switzerland, is one of the most iconic music festivals in the world. In Black history, the festival holds particular significance due to its association with African American music and culture.

One of the key moments in the festival's history occurred in 1971 when legendary American jazz musician and composer Quincy Jones became the festival's director. Under his leadership, the festival expanded its focus to include more diverse genres of music, including soul, R&B, and funk, all of which have deep roots in African American music traditions.

Over the years, the Montreux Jazz Festival has featured numerous influential Black artists, such as Nina Simone, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, and Prince, to name just a few. These artists have not only showcased their incredible talents but have also used the festival as a platform to promote messages of social justice, equality, and empowerment.

The festival's commitment to celebrating Black music and culture has helped to raise awareness of the contributions of Black artists to the global music landscape and has played a significant role in bridging cultural divides through the universal language of music.