Tunes Du Jour Celebrates Black History Month

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Music has always been more than just a backdrop to history; it is a living, breathing part of it. It’s the coded message in a spiritual, the roar of protest in a soul anthem, and the unshakeable pride in a hip-hop verse. This playlist was curated with that spirit in mind. It is not just a collection of songs by Black artists or about Black experiences, but a deliberate sonic journey where each track serves as a chapter in the long, complex, and powerful story of Black history. From the harrowing journey of the Middle Passage in The O’Jays’ “Ship Ahoy” to the defiant celebration of identity in Beyoncé’s “BROWN SKIN GIRL,” every song here is a direct link to a person, an event, a movement, or some combination of the three.

The running order is intentional, designed to guide the listener through a powerful emotional and historical arc. We begin in the depths of oppression, bearing witness to the brutality of slavery, the terror of Jim Crow, and the pain of foundational betrayals. From that bitter root, the playlist pivots to the fire of resistance. It chronicles the fight for Civil Rights in America and the parallel global struggle against apartheid, honoring the heroes who led the charge and the anthems that fueled their movements. The narrative then moves into the modern era, where the fight for justice continues in the face of new challenges, chronicled with unflinching honesty by artists from Bruce Springsteen to Janelle Monáe.

This journey through pain and protest ultimately leads to a place of empowerment, joy, and hard-won hope. The final act of the playlist is a celebration of contribution, a lesson in self-love for future generations, and a recognition of monumental triumphs. It culminates in the profound resilience of Aretha Franklin’s “A Change Is Gonna Come”—a final, stirring testament to an unshakeable faith in the future. This Black History Month, we invite you to not just hear these songs, but to truly listen. Follow the stories, look up the names, and feel the weight and glory of the history they carry. Let the rhythms move you, but let the histories change you.

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Tunes Du Jour Presents Run-D.M.C.

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If you’re looking for a playlist that captures the raw energy and cultural impact of Run-D.M.C., this is a great place to start.  This iconic rap group from Queens, New York, was a major force in bringing hip-hop to a wider audience in the 1980s. Their music wasn’t just catchy; it broke down barriers and redefined what popular music could sound like.

Tracks like “Rock Box” and “It’s Tricky” showcase Run-D.M.C.’s signature sound: hard-hitting beats, clever rhymes, and a streetwise swagger. They weren’t afraid to tackle social issues either. “Proud to Be Black” is a celebration of identity, while “Sun City” protests apartheid with the help of Artists United Against Apartheid.

But Run-D.M.C.’s influence goes beyond rap. Their collaboration with Aerosmith on “Walk This Way” became a massive hit, blending hip-hop and rock in a way that had never been heard so widely before. This genre-bending approach paved the way for future collaborations and helped both genres reach new fans.

The accolades tell the story of Run-D.M.C.’s lasting impact. They were the first rap act to be nominated for a Grammy, appear on MTV, and be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Their influence continues to be felt today, with countless rappers citing them as inspiration.

So, crank up the volume and dive into this playlist. You’ll hear the sound of a legendary group that not only dominated the music scene, but also helped change the cultural landscape.  

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Winston + King

King Holiday

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Winston + King

There was a trend in eighties pop music of superstars banding together for a cause. As trends go, it was certainly better than the medley craze of that same decade. Its high points included “We Are the World,” “Do They Know It’s Christmas?,” “Sun City” and “King Holiday.”

“King Holiday” was the result of a conversation rapper Kurtis Blow had with Martin Luther King, Jr.’s son Dexter. The civil rights leader’s birthday was celebrated as a national holiday for the first time on January 20, 1986. To commemorate the occasion, Blow, along with Grandmaster Melle Mel, Bill Adler and Phillip Jones, composed “King Holiday,” which Blow and Jones produced.

To perform the song, they gathered an impressive list of crossover stars of the day. Joining Kurtis Blow and Melle Mel on the record were Run-D.M.C., Whitney Houston, Lisa Lisa, Full Force, James “JT” Taylor (of Kool & the Gang), Teena Marie, Whodini, Fat Boys, El DeBarge, Stephanie Mills, New Edition, Stacy Lattisaw and Menudo (featuring Ricky Martin). The single made the top 30 on Billboard’s Black Music chart. All proceeds from its sale were donated to the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.

Today Tunes du Jour jumps back in time to sing celebrate sing sing celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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