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Live At The BBQ: Songs To Listen To On Memorial Day

From Frankie Beverly & Maze to Mary J. Blige, this decades-long list highlights the perfect tunes to play during the cookout.
Live At The BBQ: Songs To Listen To On Memorial Day
Multi-generation family toasting glasses at barbecue
By Okla Jones · Updated May 26, 2025
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…

Memorial Day weekend has always been bittersweet. While it’s a great time to relax and enjoy a shortened work week, and also signifies the beginning of summer, we should all sit back to remember the veterans we’ve lost along the way. But regardless of how one feels about this holiday, it’s still important to enjoy the day off and head to a cookout or two.

Since grills were invited, cookouts have become one of the cornerstones of the Black experience. Friends, family, food and fun serve as the perfect combination for a successful Memorial Day. What makes this holiday event truly special is the music, of course. Songs such as DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Prince’s “Summertime,” Mary J. Blige’s “Real Love,” and “Outstanding” by The Gap Band are just a few of the classic tunes that can be heard at outdoor functions across the country.

For a successful Memorial Day weekend, here are the best songs to listen to during the holiday cookout.

Mary J. Blige – “Real Love” (1992)
Live At The BBQ: Songs To Listen To On Memorial Day
Mariah Carey – “Honey” (1997)
Live At The BBQ: Songs To Listen To On Memorial Day
Beyoncé – “Party” (2011)
Live At The BBQ: Songs To Listen To On Memorial Day
DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince – “Summertime” (1991)
Live At The BBQ: Songs To Listen To On Memorial Day
LL Cool J – “Around The Way Girl” (1990)
Live At The BBQ: Songs To Listen To On Memorial Day
Cameo – “Candy” (1986)
Live At The BBQ: Songs To Listen To On Memorial Day
Luther Vandross – “Never Too Much” (1981)
Live At The BBQ: Songs To Listen To On Memorial Day
UGK ft. Outkast – “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)” (2007)
Live At The BBQ: Songs To Listen To On Memorial Day
Kool & The Gang – “Get Down On It” (1981)
Live At The BBQ: Songs To Listen To On Memorial Day
Frankie Beverly & Maze – “Before I Let Go” (1981)
Live At The BBQ: Songs To Listen To On Memorial Day
Bruno Mars ft. Cardi B – “Finesse” (2016)
Live At The BBQ: Songs To Listen To On Memorial Day
DMX – “How’s It Goin Down” (1998)
Live At The BBQ: Songs To Listen To On Memorial Day
Amerie – “Why Don’t We Fall In Love” (2002)
Live At The BBQ: Songs To Listen To On Memorial Day
Montel Jordan – “This Is How We Do It” (1995)
Live At The BBQ: Songs To Listen To On Memorial Day
Mark Morrison – “Return of the Mack” (1996)
Live At The BBQ: Songs To Listen To On Memorial Day
2Pac – “I Get Around” (1993)
Live At The BBQ: Songs To Listen To On Memorial Day
Notorious B.I.G. – “Juicy” (1994)
Live At The BBQ: Songs To Listen To On Memorial Day
Jagged Edge – “Where The Party At” (2001)
Live At The BBQ: Songs To Listen To On Memorial Day
Bell Biv Devoe – “Poison” (1990)
Live At The BBQ: Songs To Listen To On Memorial Day
Michael Jackson – “Rock With You” (1979)
Live At The BBQ: Songs To Listen To On Memorial Day

TOPICS:  Memorial Day