Young, Gifted and Black
Aretha Franklin
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To be young Gifted, and black Oh, what a lovely precious thing Oh, when you're, yes, yes, when you're When you're young, yeah, thank you, Jesus, gifted and black Open your heart, is all I need In this whole world, you know There are millions of boys and girls Who are young, gifted and black With their souls intact, and that's a fact You are young, gifted and black, we must begin to tell our young There's a world waiting for you (you) yours is the quest that's just begun When you feelin' real low Here's a great truth you should remember and know That you're young, gifted, and black You got your soul intact, oh, and that's a fact (You're young, gifted, and black) Oh, it's a mighty sweet thing, yes, it is now (Young, gifted, and black) Oh, my sisters (Young, gifted, and black) You're young and you're black, you got your soul intact You got the future, don't you know it's a fact? (Young, gifted, and black)
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Written by: Nina Simone, Weldon Irvine
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Release Date"Young, Gifted and Black" was released by the queen of soul, Aretha Franklin, in January 24, 1972.
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Album RecognitionThe album, which bears the same name as the song, won the Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 1973.
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Song OriginThe term 'Young, Gifted, and Black' was initially coined by well-renowned playwright Lorraine Hansberry. This was later used as the title for a song by Nina Simone, which Franklin eventually covered.
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Song InspirationThe album and its title track were inspired by the Civil Rights Movement and Black Power Movement. Aretha Franklin intended the song to empower and uplift black youths.
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Career Milestone"Young, Gifted and Black" is one of Franklin's most critically acclaimed albums. It represents a vital period in Aretha Franklin's career where she surpassed the success of her early hits.
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Genre ClassificationThe song is a vibrant mix of pop, soul, and gospel, showcasing Franklin's ability to dabble in different musical genres.
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LyricsThe lyrics to "Young, Gifted and Black" reflect the pride of being black and the striving for self-worth and validation amidst societal oppression.
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CollaborationThe album heavily features a pairing between Franklin and her producer, Arif Mardin, resulting in a rich blend of Franklin's gospel-rooted vocals and Mardin's rhythmic arrangements.
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Notable CoverPopular reggae singer Bob Andy performed a noteworthy cover of this song, which also made significant cultural impact.
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Sharing the songThe song has been performed, shared, and loved globally, highlighting the unifying power of music and its role in promoting cultural understanding and equality.
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Black Pride Anthem“Young, Gifted and Black" has been recognized as an anthem of empowerment and self-determination for the black community.
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Album SuccessThe album peaked at number 11 on the Billboard 200 and number 2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts.
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Citation
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