A collection of celebrated black musicians
In honour of Black History Month, here is a playlist celebrating black musicians. The years of release span from 1962 to 1973. Included are early-Motown classics, civil rights anthems, funk grooves, reggae cuts, and soul uplifters. I tried to stick to lesser-known songs. To name a few: Funkadelic’s impossibly catchy “Can You Get To That,” Otis Redding’s original self-penned “Respect,” and The Wailers’ inspirational “Small Axe.” This is some seriously great stuff. Play it loud!
- Luv N’ Haight by Sly & The Family Stone
- Can You Get To That by Funkadelic
- Duppy Conqueror by The Wailers
- Spirit in the Dark by Aretha Franklin
- Respect by Otis Redding
- Piece of my Heart by Erma Franklin
- Keep On Pushing by The Impressions
- Can I Get A Witness by Marvin Gaye
- You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
- Young, Gifted and Black by Aretha Franklin
- I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to be Free by Nina Simone
- Small Axe by The Wailers
- Sit Right Down by Toots & The Maytals
- Twistin’ The Night Away by Sam Cooke
- People Get Ready by The Impressions
- I’ll Take You There by The Staple Singers
- Everyday People by Sly & The Family Stone
- Mr. Big Stuff by Jean Knight
Listen to this playlist on Spotify by searching maueandthebeat or Ontarion Web.
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Feature photo obtained via Wikimedia Commons