Simone to convey deep emotion through her performances. There is an importance in the fact that the song was given new purpose through Nina Simone’s recording this is most likely due to the ability of Ms. Simone was able to make it relatable to her audience. Granted, this song doesn’t specifically address anything going on in or with the black community, Ms. Unlike the music of the Harlem Renaissance, the self-love and affirmation conveyed through this song are not subversive, but very plainly stated. The world is still turning and life is still going on despite anything that may have happened in the past. The song, hopeful in its message, discusses the positive things in life and nature.

The song was originally written and performed in the Broadway play “The Roar of the Greasepaint-The Smell of the Crowd”, but was considered a classic after Simone covered it. “Feeling Good” – Nina Simone (1965): With 1965 comes a turn in musical expression of self-love and affirmation with Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good”. Uh, outta sight, alright, you’re outta sight I’m black and I’m proud, let me hear ya, huh We’re tired of beating our heads against the wall Now we demand a chance to do things for our ourselves I’m black and I’m proud, Lord-a, Lord-a, Lord-a Now, we’re people like the birds and the bees Now we demand a chance to do things for ourselves We tired of beating our heads against the wall

I’ve worked on jobs with my feet and my handsīut all the work I did was for the other man Look a-here, some people say we got a lot of maliceīrother, we can’t quit until we get our share

This song was also widely sample in hip-hop and rap music throughout the late 20 th century, and even currently used as a pop culture reference in television, movies, and other forms of media. This agenda to love oneself and their blackness, as well as to instill pride, is furthered with the use of children’s voices, as Brown recruited students from nearby schools in the Compton, California area. Coinciding with Brown’s switch from his pressed hair to an afro, this song served to not only declare that his blackness was as much a part of him as his music, and he reaffirmed his pride, strength, and resiliency through it. “Say It Loud” was revolutionary at the time of its release as it was one of the most explicit, in-your-face examples of self- pride and pride in one’s race. Many black people had lost faith in the American government to stand in and protect their civil liberties, even with the ratification of the Civil Rights Act, leading to the growth of support for black nationalist groups. Nationalism as the United States continues the Vietnam War despite widespread protest and outcry, as well as the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr and Robert Kennedy. “ Say It Loud (I’m Black and I’m Proud)” – James Brown (1968): As 1968 progressed, we see the rise of black

Lyrics s s s say it loud