Black History Month: The Best Instrumental Music
Contents
February is Black History Month, and what better way to celebrate than by listening to some of the best instrumental music from black artists? Here are a few of our favorites.
Introduction
In honor of Black History Month, we’ve rounded up some of the best instrumental music by black composers and performers. From jazz to classical, these pieces showcase the incredible range and talent of black musicians.
“Miles Ahead” by Miles Davis
One of the most influential jazz musicians of all time, Miles Davis released “Miles Ahead” in 1957. The album features Davis on trumpet, with an all-star lineup including John Coltrane on tenor saxophone, Paul Chambers on bass, and Philly Joe Jones on drums. “Miles Ahead” is a must-have for any jazz fan.
“Rhapsody in Blue” by George Gershwin
A true American classic, “Rhapsody in Blue” was composed by George Gershwin in 1924. The piece combines elements of classical music with jazz, and is one of Gershwin’s most beloved works. It has been performed by many great musicians over the years, but you can’t go wrong with Leonard Bernstein’s 1958 recording with the New York Philharmonic.
“The Goldberg Variations” by Johann Sebastian Bach
One of the greatest works of Western classical music, “The Goldberg Variations” was composed by Johann Sebastian Bach in 1741. The piece is a set of 30 variations on a theme, and is notoriously difficult to perform. Glenn Gould’s 1955 recording is considered one of the finest interpretations of the work.
The Best Instrumental Music of Black History Month
February is Black History Month, and what better way to celebrate than with some of the best instrumental music from black history? This music is moving, soulful, and will make you feel proud to be black. Whether you’re looking for some chill vibes or something to get your blood pumping, we’ve got you covered.
“Lift Every Voice and Sing” by James Weldon Johnson
“Lift Every Voice and Sing” was written by James Weldon Johnson in 1900 as a poem to be sung at a celebration of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday by a school choir in Jacksonville, Florida. The poem was set to music by Johnson’s brother, John Rosamond Johnson, and quickly became a popular anthem for the NAACP and other civil rights organizations. The song was officially adopted as the Negro national anthem by the NAACP in 1919.
The lyrics of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” are powerfully evocative, chronicling the struggles of African Americans from slavery to freedom. The song is also a call to action, urging listeners to stand up and fight for their rights.
Over the years, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” has been performed by many artists, including Paul Robeson, Marian Anderson, Mahalia Jackson, Leontyne Price, Jessye Norman, Sammy Davis Jr., Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Barack Obama, and Beyonce.
“Strange Fruit” by Billie Holiday
“Strange Fruit” is a song recorded by Billie Holiday in 1939. Written by Abel Meeropol, it protested American racism, particularly the lynching of African Americans. Such lynchings had reached a peak in the South at the turn of the century, and continued there and in other regions of the United States until the 1950s. The lyrics are understatedly powerful, and the song became one of Holiday’s most well-known tracks.
“A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke
“A Change is Gonna Come” is a song written and recorded by American singer-songwriter Sam Cooke. Produced by Hugo & Luigi and arranged by René Hall, the song was released as a single on December 22, 1964, by RCA Victor. It peaked at number 31 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in early 1965 and became regarded as a civil rights anthem. Cooke was inspired to write the song after several incidents in which he and his bandmates were denied service at hotels because of their race. Cooke felt that the song could be used to express his own views on race relations in the United States.
The song is based on two biblical quotations: “And surely, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” from Matthew 28:20, and “There will be a change” from Joel 3:16. The latter quotation served as the basis for the title and chorus of “A Change Is Gonna Come”. The song’s lyrics speak of Cooke’s desire for a better future despite facing difficulties in his life. Cooke has been credited as one of the first singers to put a strong focus on political messaging in his music.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Black History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of black musicians. These songs are some of the best examples of instrumental music from the past and present. Each one has its own unique sound and style, but they all share a common bond: they were created by talented black musicians who have made a lasting impact on the world of music.
