NYC Parks Department celebrates Black Music Month with a playlist featuring homegrown artists. Ranging across the genres and generations, this collection of songs celebrates New York City’s brightest stars from Luther Vandross to Cardi B.
From the Harlem Renaissance to the emergence of Hip-Hop, New York City’s rich musical heritage is deeply embedded in the American identity. The roots of the American sound often trace back to Black artists who pioneered modern genres including Jazz, Gospel, R&B and Rock. To celebrate Black Music Month, NYC Parks is honoring the musical contributions of New Yorkers that grew up in our parks with the launch of our newest Spotify playlist, “NYC Parks Celebrates Black Music Month”.
“Black music has long served as a vehicle for inspiration, joy, triumph, and even social change,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP. “With this playlist, we recognize the musical contributions of incredible New Yorkers and pay tribute to the music that compels us to move, think, and come together.”
“NYC Parks Celebrates Black Music Month” offers a taste of the many sounds that comprise the rich tapestry of New York City’s Black artists featuring hit songs including:
1948: “Lush Life” by John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman
1964: “Now It’s Time” by Sonny Rollins
1981: “Never Too Much” by Luther Vandross
1990: “Mama Said Knock You Out” by LL Cool J
1993: “Are You Gonna Go My Way” by Lenny Kravitz
1994: “Juicy” by The Notorious B.I.G.
1998: “Are You That Somebody?” by Aaliyah
2002: “Get By” by Talib Kweli
2018: “I Like It’ by Cardi B, Bad Bunny & J Balvin
Parks’ inaugural playlist, “Live From NYC Parks”, takes listeners back to memorable outdoor concerts with hit songs performed live in parks. Additional playlists include “In Bloom” and “Wild Wildlife” which features songs named for flowers and music inspired by many of the creatures that call New York City home.
To learn more about how New York City honors Black history in our parks today, visit the Black History in Parks webpage on nyc.gov/parks.
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