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 (51–60)
Back To BlackAmy Winehouse
This is the song Back to Black by the late British charismatic singer Amy Winehouse.
With her distinctive voice and emotionally rich performances, Amy was regarded by the music industry as a rare talent in recent years.
However, in her private life she was entangled in a troubled relationship with a man, which left her both physically and emotionally devastated.
After cutting ties and breaking free from that relationship, she married another man and seemed on the verge of finally finding happiness, only to pass away soon after.
She was just 27 years old.
It pains me to think what songs she might be singing now if she were still alive.
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.
Didn’t Cha KnowErykah Badu
Erykah Badu is a female singer whose unique sound—evoking elements of folk and world music—has been distilled into neo-soul, earning her the love of hardcore Black music aficionados around the globe.
Alongside Lauryn Hill, she is a defining figure of neo-soul, but unlike more conventional neo-soul, her music exudes a distinctly languid, enigmatic vibe.
You could say it’s like a looser, more laid-back take on Al Green’s musical sensibility.
You can fully savor that individuality in her track “Didn’t Cha Know.” If you’re into distinctive, left-of-center neo-soul, she’s an artist you absolutely shouldn’t miss—be sure to check her out.
You Don’t Know My NameAlicia Keys
This is a song by Alicia Keys, brimming with her talent for piano and vocals.
The beautiful piano melody and Alicia’s soft, husky voice match the slow tempo perfectly.
In the music video, she plays a café waitress, looking cute in her uniform and hat.
The song poignantly expresses the feeling of falling in love with a man who doesn’t even know her name.
Great Black Music: Recommended Masterpieces (61–70)
Can’t Let GoAnthony Hamilton
Anthony Hamilton is an American singer-songwriter whose rich vocals and sophisticated musicality have earned him high praise from devoted fans of Black music.
He’s considered part of the so-called neo-soul genre, but unlike D’Angelo—one of its emblematic figures—Hamilton’s appeal lies in a sound that retains strong R&B elements.
His track “Can’t Let Go” is widely regarded as one of his signature songs: a memorable number featuring breakup-themed lyrics, a dusky, twilight-tinged track, and weighty, resonant vocals.
Strange FruitBillie Holiday
Billie Holiday, known alongside Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald as one of the “Big Three” female vocalists, grew up in a severely troubled home from a young age.
Even after becoming a singer as an adult, the toll of racial discrimination weighed heavily on her mind, leading her to turn to “mind-lifting leaves” and eventually to arrest—she truly lived a harrowing life.
Perhaps because of this background, there’s a certain melancholy in her voice, and you can glimpse that side of her in Strange Fruit.
AnytimeBrian McKnight
Brian McKnight, an artist who was hugely active from the late 1980s through the 2000s, is known for his exceptionally advanced vocal technique.
In particular, his breathy whisper voice showcases remarkable singing prowess.
One of his signature songs is “Anytime.” Unlike typical R&B, this track is infused with adult contemporary elements, giving it a distinctive atmosphere.
If you enjoy skilled, authentic R&B, be sure to check it out.