Sen. Booker Talks Music With Questlove For Black History Month

NEWARK, NJ — Music has the power to transform lives and connect human beings. And the “songs of righteousness” that have powered the backgrounds of countless social justice movements throughout U.S. history are no less important today, according to U.S. Sen. Cory Booker and Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson.

On Thursday – the last day of Black History Month – U.S. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey and Thompson, who rose to fame as the drummer for The Roots, shared some of their favorite songs and artists that have helped to “define and reflect the African-American experience.”

Appearing together on Booker’s social justice-themed podcast, “Lift Every Voice,” the pair highlighted powerful musicians such as James Brown, Gil Scott-Heron, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Michael Jackson, Prince and Alberta Hunter.

The podcast episode is available for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play and Tidal.

“Music is the connective tissue in our society,” Booker said in the episode. “It’s not only an internal experience, but it’s an external connective experience that’s really important. These songs have been about the struggle for righteousness, for justice, and [for the] conscience of our country. I know for me, whether it was the coded songs of the underground railroad or the gospel music of the civil rights era, music has played a critical role in our efforts toward building a more just, true America.”

• See related article: US Senate Committee Had 1 Black Member In 200 Years (Until Now)
• See related article: NJ Sen. Cory Booker Is Running For President

According to a statement from his office, Booker launched the Lift Every Voice podcast last year on Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a way to shine a light on overlooked issues of injustice and inequality and share inspiring stories of change. The podcast features an exclusive recording of the hymn “Lift Every Voice and Sing” performed by the choir at Booker’s church in Newark, the Metropolitan Baptist Church.

Booker also offered a "2019 Black History Month" playlist (see below).

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