If you’re looking for some songs about family love, then look no further. There are many different songs that depict family love, from Sly and the Family Stone’s “Family Affair” to Frankie J’s “Mama” to Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family.” Whatever your favorite family love song is, chances are you’ll find it in this list.
Vandross’s “Family Affair”
“Family Affair” is one of the most popular songs of all time. Written by Luther Vandross, the song celebrates the love affair between a father and his child. In 1976, Vandross released it as a single, reaching #94 on the UK Singles chart and #23 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. Many singers have covered the song. David Parton, Jimmy Higham, and Jon Walmsley all have sung it. Vandross’s lyrics describe the happy memories he had with his father.
Vandross was a controversial figure during his heyday as R&B’s first openly gay performer. His sexuality sent shockwaves throughout the African-American community. In a culture where toxic masculinity was deeply ingrained in the church, being gay was an unwise move.
Vandross was raised in a housing project in New York City. His parents, Mary Ida Vandross and Luther Vandross Sr., encouraged him to pursue a career in music. He became a backup singer for Bette Midler and recorded two solo albums for Cotillion Records. He also began to produce his own material and released a number of jingles for companies like 7Up and Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Vandross had one of the longest romantic relationships in Los Angeles. His relationship with singer/songwriter Kimberly Young ended in 1996. The couple never married and had no children. Vandross also suffered from hypertension and diabetes and suffered a stroke in 2003. After his stroke, he was in a coma for nearly two months and had to use a wheelchair.
Madonna’s “Papa Don’t Preach”
“Papa Don’t Preach” was Madonna’s fourteenth single, and it represented her increasing sophistication in the studio. While the shrinking ranks of her detractors still refuse to give her any credit for her musical abilities, the track was a significant step forward for her career. The song’s production team included composer Stephen Bray, who brought dance chops to the midtempo number. The song starts off with a string section, but lacks the “soap opera organ” of Madonna’s past.
The song was released as a single in 1986, and was later included in Madonna’s third studio album, True Blue. It quickly became one of Madonna’s most controversial songs, but despite the controversial lyrics, it fitted Madonna’s style perfectly. The song sparked arguments with the Catholic Church, as well as pro-abortion groups, but it has since become one of the most popular Madonna songs.
The video for the song was controversial. Although the video ended with the father embracing Madonna, many critics questioned Madonna’s “anti-abortion” stance. “Papa Don’t Preach” was released in mid-1986, and it was Madonna’s fourth number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100. It also reached number-one in the United Kingdom and Australia. It was one of Madonna’s most popular songs, and was also praised by contemporary critics.
Frankie J’s “Mama”
Frankie J is currently spending some quality time with his family and renovating his home in San Diego. However, before he gets to those projects, he needs to give his fans a taste of his new music. His new album, Canciones Que Recuerdo (Songs I Remember), features 15 classic songs, reimagined with Frankie J’s powerful vocals and mariachi influences.
Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family”
“We Are Family” by Sister Sledge is a classic dance album, celebrating 40 years. The album’s title track has resounded in people’s hearts at crucial life moments. In this Classic Album Sundays show, Debbie and Kim Sledge discuss the making of the album and the influence of disco. They also play a vinyl replay of the Chic-produced album.
This disco-influenced anthem redefined the family and allowed everyone to feel like they belonged. “We Are Family” portrayed family as one unit, without discrimination or exploitation. It also gave marginalised people a voice, giving them a platform to sing and speak about their experience.