BLACK SONGS MATTER #90-81. 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.  

90

CLOUD NINE

The Temptations

Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong tackled the harsh reality of life in the slums for this 1968 Motown Grammy winning single by The Temptations. The song’s subject matter marked a departure from the vocal group’s themes. It featured Dennis Edwards on lead vocals.

 

89

YOU’RE THE MAN

Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye produced and co-produced “You’re The Man”, the follow-up to his lauded ‘What’s Going On’ album. The single was released in 1972 and aims directly at politicians.

 

88

PAPER PLANES

M.I.A.

M.I.A. is a British citizen of Sri Lankan descent. “Paper Planes” deals with her treatment when entering the U.S.A. on a visa. She alleges being discriminated against because of her dark skin.

 

87

BIG BROTHER

Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder flexed his muscles as a social commentator with “Big Brother” on his ‘Talking Book’ LP. The song makes the point that politicians only take an interest in African-American communities at election time.

 

86

RESPECT

Aretha Franklin

Otis Redding wrote this song that became an empowering anthem for African-American women and females in general. In 1967, this soul classic demanded mutual respect. Aretha Franklin’s definitive reading of the song marked a line in the sand.

 

85

FREDDIE’S DEAD

Curtis Mayfield

From the soundtrack of the 1972 blaxploitation film ‘Superfly’, “Freddie’s Dead” deals with the drug culture’s impact on African-Americans. It was performed, written and produced by Curtis Mayfield.

 

84

BLACK MAYBE

Syreeta

Syreeta Wright was married briefly to Stevie Wonder, who penned and produced “Black Maybe” for her 1972 solo debut album. The track deals with being marginalised because of one’s skin colour.

 

83

GANGSTA GANGSTA

N.W.A.

Gangsta rap track from the 1988 N.W.A. album ‘Straight Outta Compton’ that helped popularize the genre.

 

82

SUNSHINE IN THEIR EYES

Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder hopes for a better world for black children on “Sunshine In Their Eyes” from his 1971 album ‘Where I’m Coming From’.

 

81

YOU’RE IN FOR A BIG SURPRISE

Johnny Adams

Ray Charles and Percy Mayfield co-wrote this song with a powerful message about making assumptions about African-Americans.