On Sunday February 5th, 2023 Beyoncé was Grammy nominated for Album of the Year for “Renaissance.” If you’re a Beyoncé fan and listened to this album at all, then you thought she was a lock to win. But – she didn’t. Instead Harry Styles took home the award for his also wonderful album “Harry’s House.” But here’s something maybe you didn’t know.
If she had won, Beyoncé would’ve became the 12th black music artist to win the Grammy for Album of the Year. The previous 11 include Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Quincy Jones, Natalie Cole, Whitney Houston, Lauryn Hill, Outkast, Ray Charles, Herbie Hancock, and Jon Batiste.
(She did become record holder for most Grammy awards ever for any artist)
We put together a playlist with one kid-friendly hit song from each “AOTY” album for you to enjoy with your little one during Black History Month! And yes, we included one from “Renaissance” just because.
Beyonce: "Break My Soul"
First up is “Break My Soul” from Beyoncé. This is such a fun song to dance to! My baby girl loves this song and jumps around with joy anytime it comes on. We listened to it a lot when the album came out. Fortunately Beyoncé released a clean version of her album to make it family-friendly. I dare you to listen to this with your child and not dance along.
Jon Batiste: "Freedom"
Last year’s (2022) Album of the Year winner was Jon Batiste with “We Are.” He describes the album as a “genreless” story about his life, heavily influenced by his upbringing in Louisiana. Our favorite song from the album is “Freedom” and was also the winner of the Record of the Year award. It’s a feel-good groove that is sure you get you dancing or at least bopping your head. The music video makes the song even more fun, and the song and video itself are very kid-friendly.
Herbie Hancock: "River"
The 2008 Album of the Year went to Herbie Hancock for his album “River: The Joni Letters.” The song “River” is a classic by Joni Mitchell that has been performed many times by various artists. This is great version soft-jazz version that makes the perfect morning coffee soundtrack.
Ray Charles: "Here We Go Again"
Ray Charles is one of the greatest musicians to ever live. He passed away in 2004, but not before recording his final studio album “Genius Love Company” which posthumously won him the 2005 Grammy for Album of the Year. The song “Here We Go Again” was a re-recording of a 1967 version and won Record of the Year. The re-recording adds new life to the classic while preserving its charm. Introduce your little one to some classic jazzy R&B with this one.
Outkast: "Hey Ya"
This song is one that everyone knows! It’s from the 2003 Album of the Year: “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below.” Like the previous songs, “Hey Ya” was also nominated for Record of the Year (but did not win). The song speaks for itself but we must warn you – it’s hard to get out of your head once you listen. You’re kiddo might be running around saying “shake it like a Polaroid picture” for a few days afterwards.
Lauryn Hill: "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You"
A classic! in 1999 The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill won Album of the Year, simultaneously becoming the first ever hip-hop album to receive the nomination. Hill was nominated for 10 awards and won 5, making her the first woman to receive that many nominations/awards in one night in Grammy history. The song “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” is one of many classics from the album, but this song is particularly well suited for singing with your child. When you hear it you’ll understand.
Whitney Houston: "I Will Always Love You"
Whitney is one of the greatest female vocalists of all time. She set the bar that singers are often compared to today. She was nominated for Album of the Year on 3 occasions and won of her third go around in 1994 for the “The Bodyguard – Original Soundtrack Album.” Whitney has a ton of hit songs but without a doubt she is best known for “I Will Always Love You”, a Dolly Parton Cover which appears on this soundtrack album. It’s an epic vocal performance with a climax sure you give you goosebumps. It’s perfectly kid-friendly and will have your little once trying to hit their own high-notes! (you’ve been warned)
Natalie Cole: "Unforgettable"
This is a song with a story. Natalie Cole created this record re-worked as a “virtual” duet with her late father, the great Nat King Cole. The song won Record of the Year and the album “Unforgettable… With Love” won Album of the Year in 1992. It’s a beautiful father-daughter duet that the whole family can enjoy.
Quincy Jones: "I'll Be Good to You"
This song and album is a little different form the rest. Quincy Jones was the producer of this album, bringing together other songwriters and vocalists to create the project. The album “Back on the Block” won Album of the Year in 1991. The song “I’ll Be Good to You” was originally a 1976 song by the Brothers Johnson. Quincy remade the song with vocals from Chaka Khan and Ray Charles, adding some 80’s vibes with new production (like synths and drums). Which version do you prefer?
Lionel Richie: "All Night Long"
The 1980’s had some great music. This smash single from the 1984 album “Can’t Slow Down” helped Lionel win Album of the Year in 1985, beating out “Born in the USA” (Bruce Springstein) and “Purple Rain” (Prince). Yup – some other epic albums that still get played today. “All Night Long” is a super fun dance record with Caribbean flair mixed with 80’s horns. You and your little one will be guaranteed to dance!
Micheal Jackson: "Wanna Be Startin' Something"
The album “Thriller” by Michael Jackson set a record when it won 8 Grammy awards in 1984. The album includes some of Jackson’s most popular hits including “Thriller,” “Wanna Be Startin’ Something,” “Billie Jean” and “Beat It.” MJ’s legacy is complicated and controversial so we understand parents not wanting to play his music. However, from a musical influence standpoint, Michael Jackson left an undeniable mark. “Wanna Be Startin’ Something” is an up-tempo jam that is easy to dance (and sing) along to. Bonus fact: this album was produced by Quincy Jones!
Stevie Wonder: "Living For the City"
Everyone knows Stevie Wonder and a handful of his songs – but few know he’s the first Black music artist to win the Grammy for Album of the Year (1974) for “Innervisons.” The song “Living For the City” also won the Grammy for Best R&B Song. It’s a long (7+ minutes) track that Billboard described as a “spectacular production of a country boy whose parents sacrifice themselves for him.” If your child is old enough to understand such themes, this is a good song to listen to with them and have a conversation about race.
