To Be Young, Gifted, and Black (1969)

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To Be Young, Gifted and Black" is a song by Nina Simone with lyrics by Weldon Irvine. The song was originally recorded and released by Simone in 1969. The song was also featured on her 1970 album Black Gold and was considered an anthem of the Civil Rights Movement. Released as a single, it peaked at number eight on the R&B chart and number 76 on the Hot 100. The title and opening line of the song come from Lorraine Hansberry's autobiographical play, To Be Young, Gifted and Black.[1]

Key Lyrics

Young, gifted and black

How I long to know the truth

There are times when I look back

And I am haunted by my youth


Oh but my joy of today

Is that we can all be proud to say

To be young, gifted and black

Is where it's at

Popular Culture

Cover Versions

References

  1. https://www.recordresearch.com/books/top-rb-singles-1942-2016/. Joel Whitburn. 2004. Record Research, p. 528. Retrieved January 20, 2021.