AAVE Mixtape

Janay Monroe Dr. Harris English 2017-65125 04/23/2026 Janay Monroe AAVE Mixtape R&B Songs of Black Love Through the Decades One of the topics that we learned about in African American Vernacular Tradition was music, and how African Americans has played a major role in music. R&B love songs have told the stories and have carried love especially Black Love throughout the decades. During slavery, enslaved people were not allowed to marry. So, marriages had to be done secretly, in our own ways, and because of slavery many families were torn apart from one another. Marriage was granted after slavery, but it wasn’t easy for black couples to stay together, through the eras of Reconstruction, the Great Depression, Jim Crow, Civil Rights. Marriage was extremely hard on black families, yet many people stayed together, and got through it, compromising, and sacrifices were made through out time. This is my definition of Black love, and R&B have helped tell these stories throughout the decades. I start my playlist on songs from the 1960s until present 2026. Even with political and social climate changes throughout the decades, Black Love Songs as been there as a reminder to sometimes shut the outside world out and focus on the love and bond that is shared with a spouse, or significant other. Some powerful couples throughout the decades were Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee, Barack and Michelle Obama, Sterling K. Brown and Ryan Michelle Bathe, and Boris Kodjoe, and Nicole Arie Parker. We have seen these couples and more throughout the years of strong Black Love. My own parents have been together for 40 years and married for 34 years. My dad drove across the country, and he would be gone for long stretches, and he would call my mom and sing Close to You by the Commodores or You’re all I need to get By, by Marvin Gaye and Tammy Terrell. Which are two songs on my playlist. My grandparents were married for 48 years. My grandmother would play Otis Redding That’s how strong my Love is, which was one of my grandmother's favorite songs because it reminded her so much of my grandfather. I’m also going to include my own love in. Only being together for 2 years so far, but knowing each other for a total of 4 years, my guy loves me, supports me, wholeheartedly. The songs 100 by Ella Mai, Angel of Mine by Monica, and Always and Forever by Heatwave, remind me of my relationship and the love that we share. Black Love isn’t perfect, but if two people are willing to work and compromise, it truly is a beautiful and magical thing. So, I believe the songs that picked, for my mixtape will also help tell the story of Black Love. That’s How Strong My Love is – Otis Redding (1965) I pick this song because My grandmother played this all the time because it reminded her of my grandfather. You’re All I Need to get By- Marvin Gaye and Tammy Terrell (1968) I picked this song because my dad would call and sing this song to my mom when he was away from home because he drove across the country. Along with Just to be Close to You- The Commodore (1976). Natural Woman Aretha Franklin (1968) I picked this song because of the lyrics, deep down I hope every woman feels this way when they have found their soul mate. Always and forever-Heatwave (1977) My significant other sang this to me on our first official date. Maybe sounds corny but I love it. This Will Be -Natalie Cole (1975) I just love this song; I’m a person that loves love. Sweet Love- Anita Baker (1986) My auntie would play this song none stop she loved Anita Baker, and now in I can appreciate the lyrics in the song. Here and Now- Luther Vandross (1989) The Ultimate Love Song!!!! Angel of Mine-Monica (1998) I have always love this song and it truly reminds me of significant other. For You-Kenny Lattimore (1996) One of the most beloved loved songs ever written. I can remember this song being played at several weddings in the early 2000s. Share My Life-Kem (2010) I really like the song and Kem also wrote this for his wife. 100- Ella Mai (2026) I really love this song because it reminds me of my relationship. The songs talk about sharing the load in relationships and sometimes you have when the other person doesn’t have it, or burned out, the partner willing and lovely caring them both. It’s not easy, but with patience and sacrifice, it can work. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/63suzjfEuFia8ugW2ThWdV?si=nAFF19PdQ9mfhM9ZgIGNmQ

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