27 Best Juneteenth Songs: A Celebration in Music

1. This Is America (Childish Gambino)

Song Title: This Is America

Artist: Childish Gambino

Visuals and Social Commentary: The powerful music video, filled with jarring imagery and social commentary on gun violence and racial inequality in America, makes this song particularly resonant for Juneteenth.

Musicality: The song masterfully blends genres, from trap beats to gospel influences, creating a unique and unforgettable soundscape that reflects the complex history of the nation.

Emotional Impact: Its unsettling yet captivating rhythm and Childish Gambino's emotive delivery create a profound and thought-provoking experience, prompting reflection on the ongoing struggle for racial justice.

2. Colors (2019)

Sound: Black Pumas' "Colors" boasts a rich, soulful sound, blending retro influences with a modern edge that feels both celebratory and reflective, perfect for a Juneteenth celebration.

Vocals: Eric Burton's powerful vocals are the emotional heart of the song, conveying a sense of hope and resilience that resonates deeply with the spirit of Juneteenth.

Emotional Impact: The song's uplifting melody and positive message create a feeling of joy and community, making it an ideal soundtrack for gatherings and reflections on freedom and progress.

3. Alright (Kendrick Lamar - 2025)

Sound: Kendrick Lamar's "Alright" boasts a triumphant, gospel-tinged beat that provides a powerful and uplifting backdrop, perfectly capturing the resilience and hope associated with Juneteenth.

Vocals: Lamar's passionate and defiant vocals deliver a message of perseverance and strength, resonating deeply with the historical and contemporary significance of the holiday.

Emotional Impact: The song's anthemic quality and inspiring lyrics create a feeling of unity and celebration, making it an ideal choice for reflecting on the progress made and the ongoing fight for equality.

4. Respect (Aretha Franklin)

Artist: Aretha Franklin's powerhouse vocals deliver a raw, emotional intensity that embodies the strength and resilience central to Juneteenth's message.

Musical Impact: The song's gospel-infused rhythm and unforgettable hook create a celebratory yet defiant atmosphere, perfect for reflecting on the journey towards freedom.

Cultural Significance: "Respect" transcends its era, becoming an anthem for empowerment and equality, making it a particularly resonant choice for Juneteenth celebrations.

5. A Change Is Gonna Come (1964)

Vocal Performance: Sam Cooke's soulful and emotive vocals deliver a powerful message of hope and perseverance, resonating deeply with the themes of Juneteenth.

Historical Significance: Released during the Civil Rights Movement, "A Change Is Gonna Come" became an anthem of hope and resilience, making it a particularly poignant choice for Juneteenth celebrations.

Timeless Message: The song's message of overcoming adversity transcends time, making it a powerful and relevant listening experience for Juneteenth and beyond.

6. Brown Skin Girl

Artist Collaboration: Beyoncé, Wizkid, SAINt JHN, and Blue Ivy's collaboration creates a powerful blend of global sounds and voices, perfectly reflecting the diverse tapestry of the Juneteenth celebration.

Celebration of Black Beauty: The song's uplifting lyrics and vibrant rhythm celebrate Black womanhood and resilience, making it an anthem of pride and joy appropriate for Juneteenth commemorations.

Emotional Resonance: "Brown Skin Girl" evokes feelings of empowerment and self-love, resonating deeply with listeners during a time of reflection and celebration.

7. ALREADY

Song Title: ALREADY

Artist: Beyoncé, Major Lazer, Shatta Wale

Uplifting and celebratory rhythm: The infectious beat of "ALREADY" is perfect for Juneteenth celebrations, instantly injecting energy and joy into any gathering.

Beyoncé's powerful vocals: Her commanding presence and soulful delivery add a layer of strength and resilience, reflecting the spirit of Juneteenth.

Global collaboration: The fusion of Beyoncé's pop sensibility with Major Lazer's dancehall influences and Shatta Wale's Afrobeats creates a vibrant and unifying sound that mirrors the diverse heritage of the Juneteenth celebration.

8. Inner City Blues (What's Going On)

Marvin Gaye's Vocals: Gaye's raw, emotive vocals on "Inner City Blues" perfectly capture the pain and resilience of the Black experience, making it deeply resonant for Juneteenth.

Soulful Instrumentation: The song's blend of soulful instrumentation and bluesy undertones creates a powerful soundscape that reflects the complex history and ongoing struggles commemorated on Juneteenth.

Historical Context: Released during a period of social unrest, "Inner City Blues" serves as a poignant reflection on the systemic inequalities that continue to affect communities, adding another layer of meaning to its Juneteenth relevance.

9. Glory (John Legend ft Common - 2025)

Powerful Vocals: John Legend and Common's soaring vocals deliver a moving tribute, perfectly capturing the emotion of Juneteenth.

Anthemic Quality: The song's uplifting rhythm and inspiring lyrics create a sense of hope and resilience, making it ideal for celebratory occasions.

Historical Significance: "Glory" carries significant weight, commemorating the struggle for freedom and celebrating the achievements of the African American community, making it a resonant choice for Juneteenth.

10. The Message (Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five - 1982)

Lyrical Impact: "The Message" delivers a potent and unflinching commentary on social injustice and urban life, making it deeply resonant for Juneteenth celebrations that reflect on the ongoing struggle for racial equality.

Cultural Significance: This hip-hop anthem, released in 1982, became a cultural touchstone, raising awareness about systemic issues and inspiring generations with its powerful message.

Musicality: The track's blend of hard-hitting beats and Melle Mel's impassioned vocals creates an unforgettable listening experience, its urgency still felt today.