"Cookout Music"

*DUM-DUM-DUM, DUM-DUM-DUM "Whoa-oooooooooooohoooooooa!"

I hope that you were able to decipher that! As you probably know by now, it is officially Summer and today is the last day of June. To close out the month (and in honor of Black Music), I'd like to acknowledge what I like to call "Cookout Music". These are soul-filled and fun initiating songs of the 60's, 70's, 80's, and now--90's that you are likely to hear at a Black-American "cookout" or barbecue.

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"Before I Let Go"--Maze ft. Frankie Beverly

The KING of all family gathering songs! No cookout or family reunion is complete without this song. Everyone--young and old--knows the lyrics to this song and suddenly becomes a vocalist when Frankie Beverly gets to the bridge. 

"Family Reunion"--The O'Jays

I think this song is played more so at family reunions, of course, but there's nothing wrong with turning it on at the Fourth of July cookout. 

"Brick House"--The Commodores

If you want to see Uncle Leroy do his dance with his beer in his hand, just turn this song on (any song, really). 

"Shotgun"--Junior Walker and the All-Stars

This song is always a favorite, especially for the 1930's/1940's babies!

"Fire and Desire"--Rick James and Teena Marie

Turn this song on and watch Uncle Otis and Aunt Reesie confess their love for each other.

"This Is How We Do It"--Montell Jordan

Everybody born in the first half of the 90's is now an adult--can you believe it? That basically means that 90's music can now be considered "Oldies". "This Is How We Do It" has proved to be a favorite for many generations, though!

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This is only a short (very short) list of "cookout" favorites. The list is truly endless. These songs not only serve as background music to eating hot dogs and hamburgers, but they also bring families together. They evoke laughter and help to create fond memories.