To Be Young, Gifted, and Black (1969)
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
- ↑ https://www.recordresearch.com/books/top-rb-singles-1942-2016/. Joel Whitburn. 2004. Record Research, p. 528. Retrieved January 20, 2021.
