iTune-Up - Black Music Month: Dance

June is Black Music Month and to celebrate the occasion, That’s My Jam will feature some of the best contributions by black musicians in the genres its readers love: dance, pop and R&B.

First up in this month’s iTune-Ups is the dance/electronica side of our spectrum, a genre whose 30-plus-year history spans from disco to trance. Download these recommendations for some happy listening.

Hues Corporation

“Rock the Boat” (1974)

— The first disco song to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart

Barry White

“Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe” (1974)

Donna Summer

“Love to Love You Baby” (1976)

— Summer reportedly refuses to ever perform this song

Chic

“Good Times” (1979)



Sister Sledge

“He’s the Greatest Dancer” (1979)

S.O.S. Band

“Take Your Time (Do It Right)” (1980)

Afrika Bambaataa and Soulsonic Force

“Planet Rock” (1982)

Shannon

“Give Me Tonight” (1984)

— Shannon’s “Let the Music Play,” along with Madonna’s “Holiday,” are said to be the songs that inspired the rhythmic top 40 radio station format

Farley “Jackmaster” Funk

“Love Can’t Turn Around” (1986)

Jody Watley

“Don’t You Want Me” [Dance Mix] (1987)

Soul II Soul

“Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)” (1989)

— Caron Wheeler performed this track’s featured vocals

Snap!

“The Power” (1990)

C+C Music Factory featuring Martha Wash

“Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” (1990)

Londonbeat

“I’ve Been Thinking About You” (1991)

Jomanda

“Got a Love for You” (1991)

Robin S.

“Love for Love” (1993)

— Robin S. worked an office job shortly before releasing this single

RuPaul

“Supermodel” (1993)

Crystal Waters

“100% Pure Love” (1994)

CeCe Peniston

“Hit By Love” (1994)

La Bouche

“Sweet Dreams” (1996)

— Released the previous year in Europe to much success

Todd Terry presents Martha Wash and Jocelyn Brown

“Keep On Jumpin’” (1996)



Toni Braxton

“Un-Break My Heart” [Soul Hex Anthem Vocal] (1996)

Ultra Naté

“Free” (1997)

— Naté joined Amber and Jocelyn Enriquez on 54's “If You Could Read My Mind”

Whitney Houston

“It’s Not Right, but It’s Okay” [Thunderpuss Mix] (1999)

Sonique

“It Feels So Good” (2000)

Deborah Cox

"Mr. Lonely" [Hex Hector/Mac Quayle Main Club Mix-Widelife Mix] (2002)

Kim English

“Everyday” (2002)

Carl Cox featuring Hannah Robinson

“Give Me Your Love” (2006)

Rihanna

“Don’t Stop the Music” (2008)

Janet Jackson

“Rock with U” (2008)

— Jackson is second behind Madonna with the most No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Hot Dance Club Play chart

Ne-Yo

“Closer” (2008)

iTune-Up - Black Music Month: Dance