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 Classics (11–20)
Purple RainPrince
Prince, the American artist who gained worldwide popularity for his originality and genre-defying musical style, was active throughout the 1980s and was often discussed as a counterpart to Michael Jackson at the time.
Among his works, the greatest is surely Purple Rain.
Crafted as a distinctive ballad, it went on to have a profound influence on later artists, including D’Angelo’s classic Untitled.
TreasureBruno Mars
Bruno Mars’s smash modern funk song, “Treasure.” Many of you have probably heard this classic on TV or the radio.
With its snappy funk rhythm and danceable vocals, it’s a track that’s perfect for getting you moving.
The mirror ball, the bright red jacket, and the 80s-inspired fashion are pure funk.
And as some of you may know, the video’s visual effects—drawing inspiration from Earth, Wind & Fire’s music videos—are especially fun to watch.
HumbleKendrick Lamar
“HUMBLE.” stands out with lyrics themed around a quintessential hip-hop rise to the top.
Kendrick Lamar’s background is astounding, and his lyrics—expressing his raw, real life—are a must-hear.
The track has a very powerful, impactful sound, so once you listen, it’s guaranteed to stick in your head.
Bring It On Home to MeSam Cooke
In the history of soul music, sadly, legendary singers who passed away young are not few, and Sam Cooke, the subject of this article, is one of them.
Having met a tragic end at the age of just 33, Cooke possessed striking good looks, a natural singing voice, and a distinctive vocal style, with which he produced many hit songs from the late 1950s to the early 1960s.
More than just a musician, he was highly conscious of racial issues: he founded a music publishing company and a record label to manage the rights to his own works and to protect the rights of Black musicians, and he was actively involved in the civil rights movement.
The influence Cooke exerted on later artists thus extended far beyond musical style.
One notable example is his 1962 release and hit “Bring It On Home to Me,” which was covered just three years later by the British rock band The Animals and, in the same year, by fellow Britons The Zombies—evidence that the song was embraced by white groups from the start.
Since then, countless artists and bands have covered it, and it has become a famous standard number that continues to be loved across generations.
Cooke himself wrote both the lyrics and the music, and the song’s beautifully wistful melody has never lost its luster—once again highlighting Cooke’s outstanding talents as a songwriter.
Move on UpCurtis Mayfield
Curtis Mayfield, who made a significant impact on Black music not only as a singer-songwriter but also as a composer.
During the time he was active, the genre of neo soul was mainstream, but he was known for a distinctive musical style that mixed elements of funk into neo soul.
His track “Move on Up” encapsulates his appeal and is said to have influenced Bob Marley, the god of reggae.