Celebrate Juneteenth with new songs from Teyana, Aretha, more What’s your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 Facebook Twitter Email In celebration of Juneteenth — marking the freeing of the last enslaved Americans, on June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas — black artists have exercised their creative freedom with new music. And with June also being Black Music Month, it reminds us that music has always been an important part of the black experience in America — from slavery through the civil rights movement to today’s Black Lives Matter mission. From never-before-heard Aretha and Alicia Keys to Teyana Taylor, here are six reasons to celebrate black music on Juneteenth. Aretha Franklin Hearing the late Queen of Soul’s voice on Juneteenth definitely brings the holy spirit from the heavens. On a previously unreleased solo version of “Never Gonna Break My Faith” — which was originally released as a Grammy-winning duet with Mary J. Blige from the 2006 film “Bobby” — Franklin, who died in 2018, gets stirring support from the Boys Choir of Harlem. Just let the chills wash all over you. Related Videos TikTok Pick Teyana always brings 110% energy on stage @defjamrecordings Teyana always brings 110% energy on stage ##TeyanaTaylor ##dance ##concert ♬ original sound – defjamrecordings Tweets by TEYANATAYLOR Style to wear