Yesterday marked a significant day in American history. The election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris sparked celebrations across the United States, with people from all backgrounds expressing their joy and hope for a more inclusive future. This widespread display of unity and optimism, amidst a challenging pandemic, felt deeply patriotic. The sight of American flags waving in the jubilant crowds underscored the profound patriotism felt across diverse communities.
It became clear during this election and its aftermath how crucial the African American community has been to upholding American democracy. Despite facing historical and ongoing injustices, Black Americans have consistently championed the ideals of justice, freedom, and equality upon which the nation is supposedly founded. This unwavering commitment to American ideals, even when they are not fully realized for all, is a powerful form of patriotism.
The victory celebrations, punctuated by music selections like Mary J. Blige’s “Work That” for Vice President-Elect Harris and Bruce Springsteen’s “We Take Care of Our Own” for President-Elect Biden, alongside classics from Jackie Wilson and Tina Turner, highlighted the role of music in expressing national sentiment. This celebratory soundtrack prompted reflection on the rich contributions of African American artists to the landscape of American patriotic songs. Inspired by this moment, and a timely song suggestion from my sister – Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings’ rendition of “This Land Is Our Land” – I curated the “Black Americana” playlist. This playlist, intended for both immediate reflection and future inspiration, explores the depth and breadth of patriotic expression within Black music.
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From Marian Anderson’s historic 1939 performance of “America (My Country, ‘Tis of Thee)” at the Lincoln Memorial to Whitney Houston’s unforgettable rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” at Super Bowl XXV in 1991, Black artists have consistently offered powerful interpretations of classic patriotic anthems. Beyond covers, they have also created original compositions that explore the complexities of American identity and patriotism.
This curated collection, “Black Americana,” includes Melba Moore’s soulful 1990 version of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often referred to as the Black national anthem, featuring a host of iconic voices including Dionne Warwick and Stevie Wonder. It also features surprising and genre-bending takes on traditional songs like Patti LaBelle and the Bluebells’ energetic “When Johnny Comes Marching Home” and Prince’s funky rendition of “Yankee Doodle Dandy.”
Marvin Gaye’s groundbreaking and soulful rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” from the 1983 NBA All-Star game and Jimi Hendrix’s electrifying, protest-infused performance at Woodstock are also essential inclusions. Hendrix’s performance, incorporating elements of “Over There,” another patriotic standard, remains a powerful commentary. Contemporary anthems like Gary Clark Jr.’s bluesy “This Land” and Childish Gambino’s provocative 21st-century track “This is America” further demonstrate the ongoing evolution of patriotic expression in Black music.
The “Black Americana” playlist also showcases the diverse voices of James Brown, Beyoncé, Billie Holiday, Billy Preston, BeBe Winans, Pharrell Williams, Jimmy Smith, King Curtis, and even 2 Live Crew, alongside Ray Charles’ timeless and deeply moving version of “America The Beautiful.” Each artist brings a unique perspective to the theme of American patriotism, enriching our understanding of what it means to be both Black and American.
This playlist is an invitation to explore the multifaceted expressions of patriotism within African American music, honoring both tradition and innovation. It celebrates the enduring spirit of Black Americans’ love for their country, expressed through song.
