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20 Old School Songs You Hear at Every Black Family Reunion

Let the fun times flow and the good tunes play.  Here are 20 old school songs from generations past that belong on your family reunion playlist.
20 Old School Songs You Hear at Every Black Family Reunion
©Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Blend Images LLC via Getty Creative Images
By Lauren Porter · Updated October 27, 2020

It’s about that time of year when families travel from near and far to come together in the name of family. From matching tees to mouth watering BBQ, there’s nothing like family reunion season.

 

That’s right–it’s family reunion time, so grab that one auntie who spills all of the family tea and that cousin who stays asking for a dollar and head to the dance floor for a good time. Here are 20 songs from generations past that you’re bound to hear and groove to at this summer’s family reunion.

 

“September” by Earth, Wind and Fire

Do you remember, the 21st night of September?

 

“Before I Let Go” by Maze featuring Frankie Beverly

This one is a given, now fall in line and hit the electric slide a few times and don’t forget to sing along!

 

“Outstanding” by The Gap Band

Uncle Charlie tore this one up! We won’t blame you if you get in a little two step. 

  

“Summer Breeze” by Kool & the Gang

The sun is setting and the kids are getting in the last of their fun, everyone is packing up and saying goodbye, this is the perfect send off song. 

 

“Brickhouse” by the Commadores 

One of your aunties is going to request this and swear up and down that Lionel Richie wrote this song about her. 

   

“Tell Me Something Good” by Rufus featuring Chaka Khan

Chaka Khan went off on this song–you can’t help but feel good. 

 

“Just Fine” by Mary J. Blige

Auntie Mary gave us nothing but good vibes with this jam and she’s right, you’ll feel “Just Fine” after hearing it. 

 

“Good Times” by Chic

This song is perfect to do the bump to — just promise not to bruise a hip.

 

“Family Reunion” by The O’Jays

THE family reunion song to play at family reunions.

 

“Rock with You” by Michael Jackson

R.I.P. to the King of Pop. Thankfully his classic still live on.

 

“Rapper’s Delight” by The Sugarhill Gang

It’s the hip-hop classic that the old heads will appreciate. 

 

“I Want to Thank You’ by Alicia Myers

This song is the perfect mix of R&B and gospel realness. 

 

“We Are Family” by Sister Sledge

Another required jam to be played at any Black family gathering. 

 

“Turn Your Love Around” by George Benson

This song will make you stop what you’re doing and hit the dance floor to for a little two step, and we aren’t mad at it!

 

“Square Biz” by Teena Marie

Teena Marie is definitely invited to the family cookout. Her music is priceless. 

  

“Feel For You” by Chaka Khan

Another Chaka song because you can never really get enough. 

 

“Don’t Stop” by Soul to Soul

It’s an underrated jam that makes you smile inside. 

 

“Rock Creek” Park by The Blackbyrds

The perfect smooth song to sip and step to. 

  

“This Place Hotel” (Heartbreak Hotel) by The Jacksons

This is a jam from The Jacksons that didn’t get enough radio play, but you’ll have to trust us when we say it’s the perfect song. 

 What songs are you looking forward to hearing at your annual family gathering?

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