Even if we finish the Month of Black History, we are not finished yet! It has been awesome to explore the contributions and challenges of black Americans, and a privilege to be able to provide a platform to honor their voices. And we want to finish on a good note. Girls, if you are looking for black artists to listen to, we have found the perfect Spotify playlist. The BLACK Power mixtape 1967-1975 is perfect for maintaining your groove while working on the inspiring music of the legendary black music designers.
The songs of the mixtape Black Power 1967-1975 form the soundtrack of the 2011 documentary of the same name about the experiences of blacks in America. These powerful melodies of black artists come from an important epoch in the history of blacks.
DETAILS YOU NEED TO KNOW
In the decades leading up to the mid-1960s, there was really screwed-up crap in our country, like total segregation in transportation and housing, racial discrimination in education and hiring, and, unfortunately, senseless roughness. All because of the color of the skin.
It’s really baffling that it took the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to make segregation unlawful. But, as we know, the racial oppression of African Americans did not stop at that time, and thanks to the heroic efforts of some incredible civil rights activists who fought for equality, laws began to emerge that action injustice.
Creating music was the way so many black artists could express themselves in this era of racial reckoning, and OMG the talent O Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Rufus & Carla Thomas!
Legions of emerging voices and sounds from the black community lit up the waves of sapphires, rhythm & soul, funk, reggae, R&B, reggae, jazz lot a lot of the music reflected their cultural struggle-and also the empowerment, because their voices were finally heard in politics, science and business (read our article about products we love from black companies).
6 SONGS YOU SHOULDN’T MISS
That’s why we wanted our LSF community to be able to immerse themselves in the zeitgeist of the time with this important playlist. We picked six incredible songs that we thought were super cool. They will pump you up and motivate you to crush your workouts well beyond BLACK History Month. We are always looking for more black artists to listen to, so send them to us!
I GOT YOU (I FEEL GOOD): JAMES BROWN
This funk-soul classic was originally recorded by soul godfather James Brown in 1964, but did not focus on Brown’s characteristic screams until he re-recorded it a year after with more instruments such as the saxophone. And monosyllabic sounds have not been so passionate since then. We like to warm up with this air, because it’s all pumped and in the groove. Woah!
CHARLES WRIGHT AND THE WATTS 103RD STREET RHYTHM BAND
After its release in 1970, this R & B song reached the 12th place on the Billboard charts and was nominated for a Grammy Award. We love this one for its empowering message and addictive pace.
WAR: EDWIN STARR
The label Motown originally wrote this powerful Vietnam war song for the Temptations, but then selected the artist Edwin Starr for the new recording. The single became a number 1 hit on the Billboard charts in 1970 and one of the most famous war opposite songs of all time. His words, like “One, two ,three, four get down!”def will move you and help you endure when things get tough.
SOUL MAN: SAM and DAVE
We all know that the sapphires Brothers made this song famous on SNL in 1978, but soul duo Sam Moore & Dave Prater wrote and performed the song in 1967, inspired by black pride during the civil rights movement riots. This song is a motivator for your training to continue safely.
DEEP RIVER, HIGH MOUNTAIN: IKE ETINA TURNER
It was one of deina Turner’s first songs to be signed to Phil Spector’s philles label in 1966. Initially, the song could not find a home, because white broadcasters said it was too black, and black broadcasters said it was too white, but it became one of the most revered songs produced at that time. This fast air will make you sweat in no time.
(SITTING ON THE) BAY DOCK: OTIS REDDING
When Otis Redding co-wrote Dock of the Bay with Nashville guitarist Steve Cropper in 1968, they knew they had something special. Unfortunately, the now iconic song would be his last. Redding died in a plane crash a month after and was never successful. As one of the most emotional songs ever created, we think this masterpiece is perfect to help you relax and reflect after a hard workout.
So, girls, no matter what songs you choose, you can’t go wrong with any of these legendary choices. Playing these songs of influential black artists while you are training will inspire and motivate you while welcoming your artistic talent and reflecting on the complex history of black culture in our country. Discover all the ways we celebrated Black history at LSF this month.