To Be Young, Gifted and Black
Donny Hathaway
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To be young, gifted and black Oh what a lovely precious dream To be young, gifted and black Open your heart to what I mean In the whole world you know There are billion boys and girls Who are young, gifted and black And that's a fact! Young, gifted and black We must begin to tell our young There's a world waiting for you This is a quest that's just begun When you feel really low Yeah, there's a great truth you should know When you're young, gifted and black Your soul's intact Young, gifted and black How I long to know the truth There are times when I look back And I am haunted by my youth Oh but my joy of today Is that we can all be proud to say To be young, gifted and black Is where it's at
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2 fans
Written by: Nina Simone, Weldon Irvine
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
4 facts about this song
Nina Simone"To Be Young, Gifted and Black" is one of Nina Simone's most well-known and celebrated songs.
- The song was composed by Nina Simone and Weldon Irvine in 1969 as a tribute to Nina’s late friend, playwright Lorraine Hansberry.
- The title of the song comes from the same-titled autobiographical-play by Lorraine Hansberry.
- In 1970, the song reached a number 8 position on the R&B charts.
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Bob and MarciaThe reggae duo Bob Andy and Marcia Griffiths covered the song in 1970.
- Their version was a hit, reaching number 5 on the UK Singles Chart.
- The duo changed the musical style of the song but kept the empowering message of the original version.
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Donny HathawayDonny Hathaway's rendition of "To Be Young, Gifted and Black" appeared on his 1970 debut album, "Everything is Everything."
- Hathaway's version is noted for its soulful and powerful interpretation.
- This version of the song has been recognized as one of the most influential renditions for its emotional depth.
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Cultural Impact"To Be Young, Gifted and Black" became an anthem of the Civil Rights Movement.
- The song is considered to be one of the first to celebrate Black identity and uplift Black youth.
- It has been covered by a numerous significant artists including Aretha Franklin, Donny Hathaway, and Bob and Marcia Griffiths.
- In 2008, Rolling Stone Magazine ranked Nina Simone’s original version number 94 on their list of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.
- The song's title has been used for several books, biographies, and articles related to Black history and culture.
- The song is often played at events and protests focusing on racial equality and justice.
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"To Be Young, Gifted and Black Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 16 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/1013877/Donny+Hathaway/To+Be+Young%2C+Gifted+and+Black>.
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