Great Black Music: Recommended Masterpieces
The great achievement of Black music is not only that it gave birth to genres like jazz, blues, gospel, and soul.
It has also been a wellspring of inspiration for legendary songs in the histories of rock and pop, and it is the most influential force on musical genres since the 20th century—an influence that continues unbroken into the 21st century and beyond.
To explore the roots of this magnificent Black music, this time we’re researching classic tracks mainly from the soul and R&B realm spanning the 1960s to the 1990s.
In the latter half, we also introduce more recent songs, so whether you love the latest hip-hop and R&B or aren’t very familiar with Black music, this is a must-check!
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Great Black Music: Recommended Masterpieces (71–80)
If I ain’t got youAlicia Keys
This song, performed by R&B diva Alicia, opens with a beautiful piano melody.
No matter how many diamonds or other costly things one might obtain, without you they mean nothing—there’s nothing I want besides you.
It’s an immortal classic with moving lyrics.
Sex MachineJames Brown
Legendary soul singer James Brown.
He is known not only for soul and R&B but also as an artist who had a tremendous influence on funk.
He debuted in the 1950s, but initially found success only on charts in the American South and in R&B.
It was in the 1960s that he achieved nationwide popularity, and with him at the forefront, the musical genre of funk became known around the world.
His song “Sex Machine” is one of his signature tracks, released in 1970.
While it wasn’t an enormous hit at the time, it has remained a classic that continues to be played for many years up to the present.
Remember MeJennifer Hudson
This is a number by Jennifer Hudson, whose singing talent was highly praised on the American audition show American Idol and who won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for the film Dreamgirls.
With a gospel-like sound combined with a crisp, dynamic rhythm, it’s a stylish track.
Jennifer’s powerful, dynamic vocals are truly impressive and well worth a listen.
Calling YouJevetta Steele
Jevetta Steele is an American singer known as a member of the globally popular gospel group, the Steele Singers.
Her song “Calling You” is one of her most acclaimed works.
It was used as the theme song for the 1987 film Bagdad Cafe.
With its distinctive melody and soulful phrases that appear here and there, every element is well balanced, resulting in a highly refined piece.
Nights Like This (feat. Ty Dolla $ign) [Official Video]Kehlani
![Nights Like This (feat. Ty Dolla $ign) [Official Video]Kehlani](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/I99qCuWx1mI/sddefault.jpg)
Kehlani’s “Nights Like This” features Ty Dolla $ign, who’s also known for collaborations with artists like Post Malone.
It’s a catchy pop song that incorporates the trendy trap style and is perfect for when you want to relax.
Be sure to check out the music video too—it has a futuristic vibe that evokes AI and cyborg imagery.
So WhatMiles Davis
A jazz trumpeter who continually pursued new sounds without being bound by existing concepts, Miles Davis included on his album Kind of Blue a piece composed on the basis of the modal concept, which was different from jazz up to that point.
The theme is cool, with the band responding “So what” to the bass’s questioning melody.
Pianist Bill Evans also took part in this album, playing a key role in creating its new sound.
Rollin’ StoneMuddy Waters
Muddy Waters, whose unusual name literally means “muddy water,” was born in Mississippi and moved to Chicago in 1943.
He was one of the artists who brought the Southern music known as the blues to the North.
In 1950, he released a version of the frequently sung Southern song “Catfish Blues,” retitled “Rollin’ Stone.” The famous rock band The Rolling Stones also took their name from this song.