Staff Picks: June 2025
In celebration of Black Music Month, we're highlighting our favorite titles by black artists this month. Check them out below or head over to our Staff Picks page which we update regularly with the latest picks.
Find something you love? Let us know in the comments, or share it with the rest of the Sheet Music Direct community over on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Jacklyn's Pick
Truth Hurts, Lizzo
One of my favorite songs by Lizzo is "Truth Hurts" because the day this song became popular was the day Lizzo took the world by storm. Her music combines infectious, powerful beats with uplifting messages that celebrate confidence and women's empowerment. Her bold, unapologetic style and positive personality resonate with a lot of people, and they inspire a sense of strength and self-love every time I listen. Lizzo's authenticity and energy make her songs more than just catchy tunes, they're anthems that empower and uplift.
Annie's Pick
Just the Two of Us, Grover Washington Jr. feat. Bill Withers
I always enjoy playing this timeless groove by Grover Washington Jr. and Bill Withers. Like many great jazz songs, it started as an instrumental track by Ralph MacDonald and William Salter, and the lyrics were later added by Bill Withers. It won the Grammy for Best R&B Song in 1982, and still makes a great earworm today.
Jill's Pick
Stormy Weather (Keeps Rainin' All The Time), Art Tatum
The jazz standard "Stormy Weather" must have been recorded a thousand times by now, but one of my favorite versions comes from the brilliant pianist Art Tatum. Art was once criticized by Keith Jarrett for playing "too many notes" but I think this is a perfect example of "just right." He puts his technical prowess on display while still doing justice to the bluesy nature at the heart of the song.
Sam's Pick
Love's Divine, Seal
I've been a fan of Seal's soulful voice ever since his song "Crazy" appeared on a compilation album I owned as a kid in 1991. Although it's not one of his best-known songs "Love's Divine," from his 2003 album Seal IV, is a lovely piano ballad that's as nice to play as it is to listen to.
Mysha's Pick
My Girl, The Temptations
It doesn't need much of an intro: a few seconds in and you know exactly what you're listening to. The bassline, the horns, the hook - it's all instantly recognizable. I've probably this Temptations classic more times than I can count, but it never feels overplayed.
Becca's Pick
Heatbeats, Alexis Ffrench
Alexis Ffrench recently released his new album Classical Soul Vol. 1, but his 2020 album Dreamland still has me captured, specifically with the track "Heartbeats." This track is a beautiful hybrid of new age and heartfelt inspiration, with a touch of classical.
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