The Thanksgiving season brings out all the good vibes. Hanging out with family and friends over some amazing soul food is a beautiful tradition we look forward to every year. But choosing the right soundtrack is essential for setting the perfect tone at any family gathering— especially a Black function. Some would argue that the music is almost as important as the food and the NFL game that’s on. For music lovers, there’s nothing quite like being with your loved ones and listening to some tunes.
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While there are thousands of songs to choose from, we’ve curated a list of 10 songs you need on your Thanksgiving playlist that’ll have everyone line dancing and joining in on the fun!
William DeVaughn — “Be Thankful for What You Got” (1974)
Although many mistakenly attribute it to Curtis Mayfield, it was actually William DeVaughn who sang and penned this classic track. Recorded in 1974, “Be Thankful for What You Got” reached #1 on the U.S. R&B charts and #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“Rolling Stone” listed that song at No. 374 on its “Top 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” Without question, the slick groove exemplifies what gratitude and the season of Thanksgiving are all about.
Earth, Wind & Fire — “Gratitude” (1975)
The legendary elements Earth, Wind & Fire taught the world their version of Thanksgiving with “Gratitude.” From their classic live album of the same title, EWF expressed their “Gratitude” to their Creator and their fan base for their unwavering support. During the Thanksgiving holiday, “Gratitude” is the vibe for us all.
Marvin Gaye — “Got To Give It Up” (1976)
A Soul Train line classic, Marvin Gaye’s “Got To Give It Up” is sure to get the family grooving. While known for his seductive ballads, Gaye proved that he wasn’t afraid to get on the dance floor with this funk/disco hit. If the mood is sad or tense, just throw on “Got To Give It Up,” and watch how it will change the atmosphere— especially for your grandparents, aunties and uncles!
Frankie Beverly & Maze — “Before I Let Go” (1981)
Whenever Black people get together, it’s just a matter of time before our unofficial Black National Anthem, “Before I Let Go” by Frankie Beverly & Maze, is played. While the song is about the complexities of being in one relationship and desiring to be in another one, “Before I Let Go” is transcendent. It has morphed from a song about relationships to a celebratory anthem from summer BBQs to Thanksgiving tables. No Black get together is complete until we all sing along with Frankie Beverly & Maze.
Luther Vandross — “Never Too Much” (1981)
On an episode of “Black-ish,” Ruby, Andre Johnson’s mother said, “Ain’t nothing perfect in this world other than Jesus and Luther Vandross’s first album.”
Without question, Luther is one of Black America’s most renowned icons, and his classic track “Never Too Much” is an essential for Black gatherings. From the moment that opening bass line, funky guitar lick, and Luther’s silky smooth lyrics come through, it’s magic. “Never Too Much” is definitely a bop for your Thanksgiving playlist.
Cameo – “Candy” (1986)
As you wait on the candied yams to hit the table, a certified banger to have on your Thanksgiving playlist is Cameo’s “Candy.” A funk classic that has been heavily sampled in several rap songs, “Candy” is a must-have for any Black gathering. Moreover, we would be remiss not to shout out the film “The Best Man,” whose cast was the first to do the Electric Slide over “Candy.”
Jill Scott — “Blessed” (2012)
Just before everyone sits down to eat, you may need a smooth song while everybody is catching up and Jill Scott’s “Blessed” is the perfect selection. More than just a song, “Blessed” is an affirmation about acknowledging all that’s thriving in one’s life. Despite the challenges that a family may encounter, the smooth vocals of Scott’s “Blessed” will remind us all to be grateful for our blessings during Thanksgiving, no matter what.
Mary J. Blige — “Just Fine” (2007)
With production inspired by Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough,” Mary J. Blige dropped a heater with “Just Fine.” Speaking about the concept of the song, Blige said, “You know, I can have 30 or 40 [bad days]. I can have as many bad days as anyone. But I choose to say, ‘I’m just fine.’ Right now. You know those days when your hair looks good, you’re not sitting in traffic, your man’s not acting like an idiot. You’re just fine… So instead of coming with something ungrateful to the universe, how about I come with something first that says, ‘You know what? It’s OK. Enjoy this day if you’re having a great day.’” Now those are Thanksgiving vibes.
Beyoncé — “Before I Let Go” (2019)
Only Beyoncé can cover a bona fide, Black anthem such as Frankie Beverly & Maze’s “Before I Let It Go” and make it a classic of her own for a new generation. Bey covered the song as a bonus track on her 2019 album, “Homecoming: The Live Album,” and her version includes a sample of New Orleans bounce artist, DJ Jubilee.
Also, it features an interpolation of “Candy” by Cameo throughout the song. On Beyoncé ‘s reprise version, Beverly gave her his approval, saying the cover was “one of the high points of his life.” With that kind of endorsement, Beyoncé’s version is officially approved for every Black function in perpetuity.
803Fresh — “Boots On the Ground: Where Them Fans At?” (2024)
What is a Black gathering without a good ‘ole line dance? 803Fresh created a modern-day classic with “Boots On the Ground: Where Them Fans At?” The popularity of the song exploded after a TikTok challenge and it’s now a staple at all Black functions. You don’t need to know all the steps. Just get out there with the fam (and your hand held fan!) and have some fun with the ones you love over the holidays.
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