June is Black music month, and these songs mean a lot to our community. Although Blackness cannot be captured in just one sound, these four songs are some of the Blackest of all time!
#1: “Before I Let Go” by Frankie Beverley & Maze
A party just isn’t a party without this one! From weddings to cookouts, we’ve been dancing to “Before I Let Go” for generations and nothing but joy radiates from the dancefloor when it’s playing.
#2: “Flashlight” by Parliament
A skating rink classic that is hard to resist dancing to, “Flashlight” is the ultimate funk song and over the years it has become embedded into Black culture.
#3: “Respect” by Aretha Franklin
Respect is a classic song that will have everyone singing “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” at the top of our lungs in unison. It’s transcended being just a song and has become an anthem that shows up in TV shows and movies time and time again.
#4: “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire
When this one plays, it's a sign that summer is definitely here. “September” is another cookout classic sure to get us two-stepping!
Black music is uniquely ours, and our people paved the way across all genres – it’s deserving of celebration this month and every day. Which song would you add to this list?