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)
Gypsy WomanBobby Womack
Alongside Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, and Stevie Wonder, singer Bobby Womack left a profound mark on 1970s soul music.
While neo-soul—a stylish, cutting-edge strain of soul—was booming at the time, Bobby incorporated elements of neo-soul while continuing to center his work on classic soul.
His “Gypsy Woman” is also rooted in classic soul, and it remains a masterpiece that has influenced many artists to this day.
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.
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.
Waves (feat. 6LACK)Normani
Normani, who’s been making waves mainly in the U.S.
as an R&B-style female singer, delivers “Waves,” a collaboration with Atlanta-born rapper 6LACK, that captivates with its chilled-out vibe.
Though the arrangement is sparse, her vocal prowess carries the song effortlessly to the end—impressive as ever.
Be sure to watch it together with the music video, which evokes a cosmic feel!
