Final Holiday Music Posting - The Kwanzaa Playlist!

Today is the third day of Kwanzaa. This seven-day celebration of African culture is a chance for people of African descent throughout the diaspora to reaffirm their communal ties and to celebrate their culture. Although I am white, I have spent years studying African-American music, so I humbly offer this list to anyone who would like to know more about the contributions made by blacks to our national quilt. Happy listening!

Scott Joplin, "Maple Leaf Rag"
One of the first African-American composers and the King of Ragtime

Muddy Waters, "I Be's Troubled"
America's greatest bluesman (in my opinion), as recorded when he was a sharecropper in Mississippi, before he became a Chicago legend

"Lift Every Voice and Sing"
This is the African-American National Anthem, written by James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson. Read more here.

Duke Ellington, "Ko-Ko"
One of America's greatest composers and songwriters, this is an example of his wonderful band at the height of its residence in Harlem at the Cotton Club.

William Grant Still, "Afro-American Symphony"
Known as the "Dean of African American Composers," he combined 20th century classical techniques with the folksongs and blues of his heritage.

Billie Holiday, "Strange Fruit"
A controversial song about the practice of lynching by one of the great vocalists in jazz history.

John Coltrane, "A Love Supreme"
Jazz tenor saxophonist makes his most personal spiritual statement with his quartet.

Little Richard, "Good Golly Miss Molly"
Over-the-top-performer at his most rambunctious--a classic of early rock.

Stevie Wonder, "Fingertips, Pt. II"
The first of many #1 hits for "Little" Stevie Wonder which made him the most famous 12-year old in the country.

Ray Charles, "Hit the Road Jack"
Bluesy, soulful, and gritty--a true American original

James Brown, "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag"
The Godfather of Soul whose band was always killing--he defined what a live performance could be.

George Clinton, "P Funk (Wants to Get Funked Up)"
Another unique performer who, along with Sly and the Family Stone, set the standard for funk music.

Prince, "When Doves Cry"
A combination of Little Richard, Jimi Hendrix, and Sly Stone who was all over the airwaves in the 1980s.

Public Enemy, "Fight the Power"
When other rappers were advocating random acts of violence, PE was calling for blacks to work for positive change.

And this barely scratches the surface--I haven't mentioned Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Michael Jackson, the Fisk Jubilee Singers, Gil Scott Heron, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Chuck Berry, Buddy Guy...It's a start anyway. So to all of our African-American students and their families, have a blessed Kwanzaa!