In case you’ve been hiding under a rock, Gil L. Robertson, IV recently released a book entitled, Where Did Our Love Go, which features interviews from a bevy of notables who wax poetic on love and relationships in the black community. Featuring the work of writers (Danielle Belton, Jimi Izrael and Byron Pitts), celebrity couples (Anthony and Tarsha Hamilton), well-known commentators (Clay Cane) and legendary radio personalities (Dyana Williams) and poets (jessica Care moore, Lita Hooper, Tanya Gipson), the book is a combination of poetry and essays that tackle the issue of what it means to be single, married, divorced or somewhere in between and what this means for the black community. What does it mean for a young person to grow up with a mother and father in love or at war? “Where Did Our Love Go” addresses this overarching question and many others.
The theme of parenthood is found throughout the poems and essays. On Father’s Day weekend and in celebration of Black Music Month, we caught up with the book’s editor Gil L. Robertson, IV to find out his top 10 list of love songs and why? While you’re listening, share with us (in the comments section) the songs that come to mind when you think about love and the black community.
Gil L. Robertson, IV’s Top Ten Playlist
- “Breakup to Make Up” – The Stylistics – The Stylistics were the ultimate “love group” with a string of hits that personified what the experience of being in love was all about. This is one of my favorites!
- “Always and Forever” – Heatwave – No one can forget this song if you are of a certain age. An ultimate crowd pleaser.
- “Never Knew Love Like This Before” – Stephanie Mills – Mills is one of my favorite singers and they way she sings this song makes me want to believe in love forever.
- “You Are Everything” – Diana Ross & Marvin Gaye – A toss up between these two veteran song stylists and The Stylistics, but the combination of Mr. Gay and Ms. Ross together is unbeatable!
- “I Love You” – Donna Summer – The disco queen was more than about dancing and this song speaks to everything you want to feel on and off the dance floor.
- “I Will Always Love You” – Whitney Houston – What can be said… Ms. Houston at her best!
- “I’ve Been Loving You To Long” – Otis Redding – Perhaps the ultimate love song, sung by a true soul legend.
- “If this World Were Mine” – Luther Vandrose & Cheryl Lynn – A Facebook favorite, this song resonates the true meaning of the “love” experience.
- “Butterflies” – Michael Jackson – How can you do any list without Michael. Brotherman made a serious comeback with this effervescent tune.
- “The Island” – Patti Austin – Regardles of whose singing this song, it’s the ultimate love song for me.
To find out more about “Where Did Our Love Go?” check out Facebook at www.facebook.com/blackloveisforever or follow on Twitter @wheredidrlovego.
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