BLACK SONGS MATTER #60-51. Continues tomorrow.

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. 

60

REVOLUTION

Arrested Development

Arrested Development pay tribute to the heroes of the civil rights struggle, past and present. The song was featured on the ‘Malcolm X’ soundtrack for the 1992 motion picture starring Denzel Washington in the title role.

 

59

FREEDOM

Beyoncé featuring Kendrick Lamar

A modern-day anthem for perseverance, “Freedom” was one of the tracks on Beyoncé’s lauded 2016 album ‘Lemonade’.

 

58

EVERYDAY PEOPLE

Sly & The Family Stone

Sylvester Stewart assembled a multiracial funk group made up of both male and female members. The 1968 US #1 hit “Everyday People” was an apt song about inclusion from Sly & The Family Stone.

 

57

BORDER SONG (HOLY MOSES)

Aretha Franklin

Elton John had only just begun to raise a profile on the musical landscape in 1970 when Aretha Franklin interpreted “Border Song”. John’s music coupled with Bernie Taupin’s lyrics gained so much from the Queen Of Soul’s heavenly remake. Her version was unleashed in 1972.

 

56

WE THE PEOPLE WHO ARE DARKER THAN BLUE

Curtis Mayfield

“We The People Who Are Darker Than Blue” urges African-Americans to strive for progress rather than just resigning to the status quo. The song was included on his 1970 debut solo album ‘Curtis’.

 

55

BLACK MAN

Stevie Wonder

A history lesson from the genius Stevie Wonder on the Grammy Award-winning album ‘Songs In The Key Of Life’. It celebrates the firsts of black individuals as well as other minorities.

 

54

FDT

YG featuring Nipsey Hussle

A 2016 anti- Donald Trump rap track, “FDT” is an abbreviation for “fuck Donald Trump”.

 

53

AIN’T GOT NO. I GOT LIFE

Nina Simone

Nina Simone transformed a song from the musical “Hair” into a message to remain positive when life throws obstacles our way.

 

52

FREEDOM

The Isley Brothers

As one of the oldest R&B groups, the Isley Brothers had witnessed segregation and discrimination first hand. They earned the right to plead for “Freedom”.

 

51

WHEN WILL BE PAID

The Staple Singers

The Staple Singers tackle examples of discrimination and injustice on this track from the 1970 album ‘We’ll Get Over’.