BLACK SONGS MATTER #70-61. 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. 

70

PEOPLE GET READY

The impressions

During the bleakest times, songs of hope can have the greatest impact. This was the case with “People Get Ready”. Released in 1965, Curtis Mayfield’s message offered spirituality and the promise of a brighter future during the upheaval of the civil rights era. The Impressions’ original version brings together gospel and soul in a way that has kept it timeless to this day. Sadly, we are still waiting for that train.

 

69

LIFE’S NO FUN

(LIVING IN THE GHETTO)

Willie Hutch

“Life’s No Fun (Living In The Ghetto)” was included on Willie Hutch’s Motown LP ‘The Mark Of The Beast’, issued in 1974.

 

68

PASTIME PARADISE

Stevie Wonder

Coolio had very little to do in order to update “Pastime Paradise” and creating his “Gangsta’s Paradise”. The former track was included on Stevie Wonder’s epic album ‘Songs In The Key Of Life’. It deals with social issues, and their impact on African-Americans.

 

67

IF YOU’RE OUT THERE

John Legend

“If You’re Out There” serves as a modern-day call to arms to collectively take action in order to effect change for the better. The inspiring song is found on John Legend’s 2008 album ‘Evolver’.

 

66

CAN YOU FEEL IT

The Jacksons

The Jackson siblings were enjoying greater creative control over their musical output with their ‘Triumph’ album. Released in 1980, it contained the upbeat future single “Can You Feel It”. Michael Jackson co-wrote the optimistic song with his brother Jackie. Its lyrics deal with unity and harmony between citizens of all colours.

 

65

GIVE THE PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT

The O’Jays

More social commentary created by the songwriting and production duo of Gamble and Huff on the Philadelphia International record label. The O’Jays’ empowering song was issued as a single in 1975.

 

64

PAINT THE WHITE HOUSE BLACK

George Clinton

President Bill Clinton was inaugurated in 1993. That same year, another Clinton unleashed a funky prophetic single entitled “Paint The White House Black”. In 2009, an African-American family finally moved into 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

 

63

CHOICE OF COLORS

The impressions

Divisions between people of different skin colours are dealt with by “Choice Of Colors”. Curtis Mayfield's lyrics offer a better way to resolve inequality and discrimination.

 

62

CAN’T PUT IT IN THE HANDS OF FATE

Stevie Wonder featuring

Rapsody, Cordae, Chika & Busta Rhymes

Stevie Wonder proves his relevance amidst the present-day civil unrest in the United States under Trump on his 2020 new track “Can’t Put It In The Hands Of Fate”.

 

61

MY PEOPLE . . . HOLD ON

Eddie Kendricks

Eddie Kendricks released “My People… Hold On” after departing The Temptations and launching a solo career. This track was included on his second studio album, 1972’s ‘People… Hold On’. It encourages a unified approach towards the issues hindering progress for African-Americans.