MY ESSENTIAL BOSTON SUMMER PLAYLIST
THESE SONGS SHOWCASE THE CITY’S TALENT AS MUCH TODAY AS WHEN THEY WERE FIRST RELEASED.
When I think about my summers growing up in Boston, my mind flashes back to the house parties, barbecues, and block parties I attended in the South End, Roxbury, and Dorchester. The songs being spun by DJs were often by artists who’d dominated the local talent-show circuit and got heavy play on Boston radio. This playlist honors the best of the scene from the late 1970s to early ’90s —and, for me, still represents the sound of summer in Boston.
“Bad Girls” (1979), Donna Summer
It’s impossible to have a Boston summer playlist without including the pride of Mission Hill, LaDonna Adrian Gaines. The infectious rhythm of “Bad Girls” was inescapable on the streets.
“In The Street” (1979), Prince Charles and The City Beat Band
Prince Charles Alexander was Boston’s answer to Prince Rogers Nelson — or the Prince. A musical prodigy from South End/Lower Roxbury, he made a Boston funk classic out of the gate.
“Play At Your Own Risk” (1982), Planet Patrol
When Arthur Baker and his partner John Robie produced the seminal “Planet Rock,” he saved an alternate version for vocalists from two Boston R&B groups. The new group, Planet Patrol, began making international hits like this immediately.
“Space Cowboy” (1983), Jonzun Crew
Fresh off the success of New Edition’s “Candy Girl,” producer-songwriters Maurice Starr and Michael Jonzun continued their hot streak by making one of the catchiest songs of the year.
“Please Don’t Go Girl” (1988), New Kids On The Block
After Maurice Starr lost New Edition to MCA Records, he recruited a group of young Bostonians who loved dancing, performing, and singing. Hailing from Dorchester and Jamaica Plain, they proved themselves on the same circuit that their idols New Edition had.
“If It Isn’t Love” (1988), New Edition
New Edition teamed up with superstar songwriting-and-production duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. “If It Isn’t Love” became a smash that had everyone mimicking the dance moves from the video.
“My Prerogative” (1988), Bobby Brown
Not to be outdone, former New Edition member Bobby Brown recovered from a disappointing debut solo album by teaming up with upcoming new jack swing songwriter and producer Teddy Riley. The end result was this crossover smash.
“Word To The Mutha” (1991), Bell Biv DeVoe f/Ralph Tresvant, Bobby Brown, and Johnny Gill
When Bel Biv DeVoe, featuring three founding members of New Edition, reunited the old group for a single, it was a major event. The six members returned to Roxbury as conquering heroes to film the video.
“I Got To Have It” (1991), Edo.G & Da Bulldogs
Edo. G’s career began as a teenager doing talent shows in Roxbury and Dorchester as part of the Fresh To Impress Crew, and later 3 Def Notes. Next, he formed Da Bulldogs, got a record deal, and released the first-ever Boston rap song to hit #1 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Singles chart.