BLACK SONGS MATTER #50-41. Continues in 2 days.

A Caffè Lattè tribute…

 

BLACK

SONGS

MATTER

Some remain iconic; some were a call to arms; while others imagined a world where prejudice and injustice ceased to exist. Here are 100 songs by black voices that are the soundtrack to the struggle that continues to this day for equality, respect and dignity. They serve to carry the message that Black Lives Matter. 

50

LIFT EV’RY VOICE AND SING

Beyoncé

This song began as a poem. Once set to music, it was adopted by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) as its official song. It is regarded as the Black National Anthem. Beyoncé covered the song on ‘Homecoming: The Live Album’ which was issued in 2019.

 

49

I DON’T WANT NOBODY TO GIVE ME NOTHING

(OPEN THE DOOR I’LL GET IT MYSELF)

James Brown

An empowering funky song released by the Godfather of Soul in 1969.

 

48

(FOR GOD’S SAKE)

GIVE MORE POWER TO THE PEOPLE

The Chi-Lites

The Chi-Lites outlined their demands for reform on the 1971 single “(For God’s Sake) Give More Power To The People”.

 

47

YOU HAVEN’T DONE NOTHIN’

Stevie Wonder

A US #1 hit taking aim at the Nixon Presidency. Sadly, the track is still pertinent today. “You Haven’t Done Nothin’” was included on Stevie Wonder’s 1974 album ‘Fulfillingness’ First Finale’. The single features background vocals performed by the Jackson 5.

 

46

WAKE UP EVERYBODY

Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes

More Philly Soul with an encouraging message. “Wake Up Everybody” was the title track for a 1975 album by Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes. The single charted in America and Britain.

 

45

REDEMPTION SONG

Bob Marley

One of Bob Marley’s best compositions, “Redemption Song” deals with physical and mental freedom with an upbeat attitude preaching empowerment.

 

44

FREEDOM HIGHWAY

The Staple Singers

“Freedom Highway” urges African-Americans to keep on marching. It acknowledges that the community has suffered, but it is through resilience that evil will finally be overcome. Recorded in 1965, the march has yet to reach its ultimate destination.

 

43

COPS SHOT THE KID

Nas featuring Kanye West

Social commentary on Nas’ 2018 album ‘Nasir’. The track hits out at police brutality and “the disadvantages of the brown”.

 

42

FOUR WOMEN

Nina Simone

In 1966, Nina Simone unleashed ‘Wild Is The Wind’. The album contained “Four Women”. Each verse in the song describes a different woman and the prejudice and brutality they have endured.

 

41

WAKE UP

Larry Williams

A 1968 single aiming to unite African-Americans so as to achieve reform.