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 (1–10)
Ex-FactorLauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill, a female neo-soul artist with an enormous following, is well-known in Japan for her role as the heroine in the film Sister Act 2.
Neo-soul is a genre that blends soul music with elements of hip-hop, funk, and jazz, and her take on it is famous for having a particularly strong hip-hop influence.
Because of that, many people might associate her strongly with rap, but she is also a top-tier singer.
In Ex-Factor, while prominently foregrounding hip-hop elements, she delivers a superb work that also lets you fully appreciate her sophisticated vocals.
SuperstitionStevie Wonder
New Soul, which became a huge boom in the 1970s.
Stevie Wonder, who today boasts worldwide recognition as an artist, was known in the 1970s as a leading figure of New Soul.
As you know, his musical style is highly distinctive and can’t be described as simple soul music.
His song “Superstition” exemplifies those qualities: it’s an impressive piece that blends a reggae-like sound with soulful vocals interwoven with numerous vocal embellishments (feints).
I Love You More Than You’ll Ever KnowDonny Hathaway
Danny Hathaway, a leading artist of the neo-soul movement that boomed in the 1970s.
Although racism against Black people was severe in America at the time, his family was affluent, and he studied classical music and more from a young age.
As a result, he harbored no prejudice against white people and released many covers of white artists—something virtually unprecedented then.
His original works were also highly acclaimed, and his elegant, classically informed musicality can be considered truly unique.
This track, “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know,” is a soul rendition that lets you savor his distinctive musical style.
Papa Was A Rolling StoneThe Temptations
The Temptations are one of the signature vocal groups representing the legendary Motown label—indispensable to any discussion of Black music history—and have continued to perform from their debut in the 1960s right up to the present day in the 2020s.
At this point, Otis Williams is the only remaining original member, but it’s truly remarkable that, despite repeated lineup changes, they’ve continued to release hits across different eras.
The song featured here, “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” was first released in 1972 by a group called The Undisputed Truth.
In September of the same year, the Temptations covered it and released it as a single; not only did it hit number one on the U.S.
charts and become a massive success, it also earned them a Grammy Award.
The greatness of this track owes much to producer and songwriter Norman Whitfield, whose presence was crucial.
Every Temptations release from 1966 to 1974 was created in partnership with Whitfield, who boldly infused the classic Motown sound with elements of psychedelic rock to forge a unique sonic identity.
One of the finest results of their collaboration is this very “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone.” Unfortunately, Whitfield’s emphasis on instrument-driven arrangements—despite working with a vocal group—ultimately led to their split.
Even so, the song’s fearsomely deep and cool forward-thinking edge is precisely the kind of work that deserves rediscovery by younger music fans.
What’s Going OnMarvin Gaye
On January 20, 2021, the state of Michigan in the United States established “What’s Going On Day.” Marking the 50th anniversary of the release of Marvin Gaye’s timeless classic “What’s Going On” on the same day in 1971, it served as a reminder of the song’s historical significance as a literal “soul record” that advocates for peace, universal love, and unity.
In 2019, the first official music video was created by director Savannah Leaf, and in these turbulent times, “What’s Going On” continues to offer guidance on what truly matters.
It is undoubtedly one of the greatest legacies born from Black music.
Even if one doesn’t know much about Marvin Gaye himself, nearly everyone has heard “What’s Going On” at least once somewhere.
As noted, it was released as a single on January 20, 1971, by the prestigious Motown label and became a massive hit, later becoming a standard covered by many subsequent artists.
Gaye contributed to both the lyrics and composition, and the song was strongly influenced by the social climate of the time as well as letters he received from his younger brother, who had been sent to the Vietnam War.
Musically, it features a highly refined sound with flowing strings, a romantic saxophone tone, and a bass line that creates a distinctive groove—an excellent number born from superb production and ensemble work.
While Gaye’s vocals are relatively relaxed and gently conversational, he appeals to us listeners in the face of harsh realities, asking, “What’s going on?” In today’s deeply troubled world, we hope you’ll listen anew to the song’s urgent message.