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 (41–50)
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.
Thrill Is GoneB.B. King
When talking about the blues, there’s no way you can leave out B.B.
King.
Possessing exceptionally advanced guitar technique, he influenced not only the blues but the broader realm of Black music in a major way.
One of his signature songs is The Thrill Is Gone.
Although he had an extraordinary sense for the guitar, he was, frankly, hopeless when it came to singing while playing.
Because of that, his songs clearly separate the vocal and guitar parts—but that separation allows each to shine to the fullest, creating a distinctive flavor you can really enjoy.
Black & YellowWiz Khalifa
This catchy pop-hip-hop track by Wiz Khalifa became a massive hit across the United States.
Just like the yellow-and-black title suggests, the car he rides is yellow and black, and the necklace he never takes off is said to feature yellow diamonds.
Airplanes ft. Hayley Williams of ParamoreB.o.B
This is a song by American rapper B.o.B in collaboration with Hayley, the vocalist of Paramore.
The two artists, who come from different genres—rap and rock—create remarkable chemistry, resulting in a track that feels both mystical and nostalgic.
Heartbreak Heard Around the World ft. T-PainJacob Latimore
This is a song by the young American singer Jacob Latimore in collaboration with rapper T-Pain.
Amid a melody that could bring you to tears, he delivers a clear, soulful vocal performance.
He isn’t very well known in Japan, but this song more than proves his talent.