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12 Uplifting Songs from Inspiring Black Musicians

Talented Black artists have transformed genres like rock, jazz, soul and gospel⁠⁠. Here are 12 favorites who have revolutionized music worldwide.

The music industry has been touched by some remarkable singer-songwriters and performers over the years. Talented Black artists especially have transformed genres like rock, jazz, soul and gospel⁠⁠—altering the course of American history. Here are twelve of our classic favorites who have revolutionized music worldwide.

You Send Me, Sam Cooke.

1 of 12 You Send Me By Sam Cooke

Since its release in 1957, “You Send Me” has become a landmark record, catapulting Sam Cooke to musical icon status and crediting him with creating the genre of soul. Several other award-winning artists have covered Cooke’s song, such as Aretha Franklin and Teresa Brewer.


Respect By Aretha Franklin

2 of 12 Respect By Aretha Franklin

“Respect” became a 1967 hit and signature song for soul singer Aretha Franklin. The song became a landmark for the feminist movement, and is often considered one of the best songs of the R&B era, earning Franklin two Grammy Awards.

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Lean On Me By Bill Withers

3 of 12 Lean On Me By Bill Withers

Three-time Grammy Award winner Bill Withers, wrote and performed a string of soulful songs in the 1970s that have stood the test of time, including “Lean on Me.” The song, about a rural man’s loneliness in the big city, has become an inspirational anthem for those rising up after tragedy, as well as a celebratory rallying cry of togetherness and resilience in times of trouble.


I Got You (I Feel Good) By James Brown

4 of 12 I Got You (I Feel Good) By James Brown & The Famous Flames

Released in 1965, “I Got You (I Feel Good)” is James Brown’s highest-charting song and arguably his best known recording. The song. since its debut, has made ranked high across several charts, including Rolling Stone magazine’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” and most recently made the “Best Happy-Feel Good” songs list in Country Living and Elle magazines.


How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) By Marvin Gaye

5 of 12 How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) By Marvin Gaye

Since Marvin Gaye’s original 1964 release, “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” has been recorded by artists in a variety of genres including soul, pop, gospel, folk, and country.

Hello, Dolly! By Louis Armstrong

6 of 12 Hello, Dolly! By Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong’s version of the 1964 musical of the same name garnered him a Grammy Award for “Best Male Vocal Performance” and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001.

Dream a Little Dream of Me By Ella Fitzgerald

7 of 12 Dream a Little Dream of Me By Ella Fitzgerald

The artist’s 1950 cover with Louis Armstrong is one of the most beautiful songs you’ll ever hear. Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong recorded versions of this song both separately and as a duet.

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Dancing in the Street By Martha and the Vandellas

8 of 12 Dancing in the Street By Martha and the Vandellas

“Dancing in the Street” became one of Motown’s signature songs. The song highlighted the concept of having a good time in whatever city the listener lived.


Ooh Child By The Five Stairsteps

9 of 12 Ooh Child By Five Stairsteps

The 1970 single recorded by Chicago soul family group the Five Stairsteps became their signature song. The song’s uplifting message helped it to become popular among pop and rhythm and blues audiences when it was released.


A Change Is Gonna Come By Sam Cooke

10 of 12 A Change Is Gonna Come By Sam Cooke

Recording artist Sam Cooke felt compelled to write a song that spoke to the Civil Rights Movement and African Americans. According to Rolling Stone magazine, the artist was inspired to write the song after getting arrested while on tour in 1963 for disturbing the peace, after trying to stay in a whites-only motel.

At Last By Etta James

11 of 12 At Last By Etta James

“At Last” is the debut studio album by American blues and soul artist Etta James. It was the title track on her debut album in 1960 and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.


Signed, Sealed & Delivered I'm Yours By Stevie Wonder

12 of 12 Signed, Sealed Delivered I'm Yours By Stevie Wonder

“Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” is a soul song that was first of a series of hits for the then 20-year-old Wonder. The popular song was the first single Wonder produced on his own.

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