Sounds of Blackness - Optimistic LIVE at the Apollo 1994

[@Ms.ShellyT.]

Who's still listening in 2024! Black Movitation since I was 19 and for life at 53. Amazing vocal group. God is Real. Let's keep our "head to the sky" ☁️. And be "Optimistic". 👍🏽

[@freddywayne]

Absolutely! This song been speaking to my soul all this week. ❤

[@jcstarhawk7536]

No lipsyncing here just pure vocal talent ❤ back in the day, God I miss the 90s

[@tinaBabe4]

Summer 1991! Yessssss☝🏼🙆🏽‍♀🙌🏼

[@babygirla5717]

Facts just pure talent

[@kip24u]

I'm with you. I miss all that real talent. I know it's still out there. We just need the industry to stop promoting 1 - 3 ppl/groups.

[@efg5000]

PREACH‼No AUTO-TUNE❗🙌

[@Queenofsole100]

The Black National Anthem 2.0. 🎵🎶💯🔥

[@thewhitedoncheadle8345]

everybodies anthem

[@victory5784]

@@thewhitedoncheadle8345it’s for blacks let us have what we created’n

[@audejagger]

Sounds of blackness ❤️

[@averyintelligence]

What's 1.0?

[@patfrazier9285]

​@@averyintelligenceAin't No Stopping Us Now, McFadden and Whitehead is 1.0

[@lesliedavis6081]

If we ever needed it before, we need it now. Be optimistic, yall. 🖤

[@kinglewis9551]

I know I do

[@santurcedc]

I am here January 7, 2025 at 12:40 p.m. listening to this song in Washington, D.C.👍👍👍

[@Passion-X]

Still listening in 2023!!!❤

[@tiffanyeyoung1800]

How many here miss inspirational music like this? These days you rarely hear any and it's so sad

[@trscott1975]

Produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. They don’t get enough credit for the songs they helped make in 80s and 90s . This song is awesome and Ann will blow the roof off a building with her strong vocals.

[@MichaelSmith-np6tf]

When I am feeling down about something, I play this and get back in the game! Love this song!

[@reggiemckinnon3126]

Ann Nesby ripped it!

[@tombrady248]

I Love this song so much! Black is so beautiful and always has been and always will be!

[@Diligence7433]

Amen👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿

[@PrinceLemantis]

Who else needed to hear this November 2024

[@EasyE6666]

I'm male. I just woke up about my life. I am struggling so bad. No one will help just a tiny bit to breath. I heard this song. Tears to my eyes. Can't give up.

[@AnAdorableWombat1]

Please don't give up. I have been there and I know the feeling. I don't know you but I will promise you one thing. Being positive will change your entire life. This is a tough mindset but it works and it has changed my life and I know it can change yours. You got this

[@melodihester5764]

Just believe you didn’t come across this song by accident. Stay strong 💪🏾

[@certifiedclyde1422]

As long as you keep your head to the sky 💪🏾💪🏾

[@EasyE6666]

@AnAdorableWombat1 Thank you. I didn't. I was just about to. I was let go from a job a month ago. The owner choose the cook over a Executive Chef. I was cussed out by his cook. He let me go because the other guy been there longer and had is wife working there. I told him sir your making the wrong choice. Every bit of my soul knew this. I was down to no food. Cell phone off. Gym membership was a balance of 100.00. No money. I got a job offer out of state... Right when I was about to go. Last Tuesday owner called saying his cook never showed up. Please come now. I did. Then Friday he promoted me to Kitchen Manager. Gave me a week's pay in cash. So I could catch up. Now I am on the pay role with a high salary. He even gave my wife two days out the week as server. Now we looking for a apartment. 🥲 Don't ever give up. 👑 💪 Thank you all for your words of encouragement. I needed it.

[@MarcusBarker-fj7ro]

Praying for you brother! Reach out. I dont mind exchanging info to do what i can to bless you

[@Swoop2565]

Ann Nesby is truly Unsung ❤

[@paullockwood4872]

Ann is from my hometown, Joliet, Illinois. She is revered there! ❤

[@daughteroftheking100]

Yes, she is!!!

[@0091sender]

Play this soon as u wake up❤

[@chestermijnals6914]

I love how Sounds Of Blackness always came from Afrocentrism

[@finefeatheredfriend9240]

That ending was spectacular! Black music was so pure back in the days. I miss the 90s soooo much!!!! 😫😭

[@sujane1984]

YES YOU CAN HAVE THE PRIZE SHE HAS CONVINCED ME IN FULL!!

[@JedaraQueen]

Me too and I wasn't even born in the 90's.❤❤❤❤

[@marvinjgerald6007]

It has nothing to do with the 90’s per se. It’s how the singers were raised and the choices they made resulting in them coming together in harmony. It’s beautiful soul stirring songs from every generation, irrespective of ones overt emotionalism of any one particular great song.

[@finefeatheredfriend9240]

@@marvinjgerald6007 There’s been nothing like this or comes close in mainstream music at least for the past 15 years. Particularly in black music because that’s where the origins are. A positive message meant for all, but really for the struggle in the black community in all aspects of life in America.

[@LundenMaxwell-it4yu]

Everything is trash now days

[@Therealadrianallens]

2022 this song still gives so much hope to keep pushing on

[@KatieForsyth-c5u]

2024 and am lifted up to a beautiful place when I hear and play this tune ..its so soulful amazing never to fade 90s at its best xx

[@RobbieBlue]

The beat just feels good high vibration

[@kennis.2603]

As a child and even now as an adult this song still gives me chills and encouragement!

[@ttee3618]

Ann has one of the best voices of all time!

[@DonnellPrince]

This is how you come to the Apollo Theater. Harlem stand up. FBA Stand up we are winning in the struggle towards complete Freedom, Justice, and equality. ✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿

[@marcusa.fromthebay7514]

This song did so much to lift up the mind, body and soul of a young man who was struggling to provide for his young marriage and his young family. I thank The Creator for delivering it to us all through this wonderful group.

[@jammck1399]

Black power matters

[@marcusa.fromthebay7514]

@jammck1399 Indeed, it does! ✊🏾

[@pattidenise8666]

I was today years old when I found out this isn’t Patti LaBelle singing lead 😭😭😭

[@kctaylorsings]

Right. But what's ironic is she cowrote, The Right Kinda Lover for Patti LaBelle with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis (Gems Album, 1994)

[@susiecarmichael5423]

Not Patti lol

[@mochaqueen_88]

I thought it was Aretha Franklin

[@662chillin]

That's the legendary Ann Nesby

[@papi2134]

Ann Nesby from Rockford IL❤

[@septemberquest6393]

When my sister and her husband died..in the 90s i will never forget this song❤God rest their souls❤

[@ANTPHRESSH89]

I'm Instantly Crying My Eyes Out I Felt That Line In The Depths Of My Soul " You Can Win As Long As You Keep Your Head To The Sky "🥲🥲🌟🌟🌟🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@alacarte5073]

The last soloist, the light skinned lady who sings tenor, is Pat Lacey, one of Luther Vandross bv extraordinaire.

[@certifiedclyde1422]

I could tell by the powerful tone.

[@jrallday]

This so is so beautiful. It's like a prayer.

[@Petdoc88]

Ann Nesby !! Head & Shoulders above the rest !

[@kel-melprevail8127]

They all went to Sylvia s for dinner after this performance ...when Sylvia s was good in 94

[@Rahnotrob]

I really needed this today.

[@MrSmoooov]

They is straight JAMMING AND ENJOYING SINGING THIS GREAT MUSIC ❤️❤️

[@DonnellPrince]

10/2023 Still will get you through anything. I’m 35, and still love this song.

[@queencampbell768]

🙏🙏🤗🤗 PRAISE God to you all Sounds of Blackness.PEACE BLESSINGS AND HAPPY KWANZAA.

[@prplrayn4877]

Ok I was digging around the internet trying to find out why the actress on Queen Sugar looked so damn familiar……once I saw her name I was like BOOM! This song played for months in my neighborhood. Her voice is SICKENING❤! When I say it played everywhere I mean everywhere…so powerful and uplifting.👌🏽

[@carolineprest5927]

i have loved this song since it was released. All those years! Today i suddenly realised they are singing about Jesus 😭😭❤️he is always there. It’s amazing

[@captaintruth]

When a people love themselves and have a pure energy to them it transcends any form of social or cultural bounds we know. I'm white with Irish roots (west coast so tanned not ginger haha we have variety too, the original celts spanned to Iberia) and this song gets me fired up from the depths of any battles, brings peace when all I feel chaos and reminds me to stay ... optimistic when all around we've strayed so far from how we should be living. They say frequencies can have energy and effects on the human body. This song is the very best in all of us.

[@rodm.5071]

Ok I see you Ann Nesby.

[@hollywoocdg]

jam and lewis really put this together man

[@jclamour1]

😢❤Beautiful! I pray for us all! The Heavenly Father is a healer!

[@ttee3618]

Miss Ann is so effortless and fabulous

[@twoot63]

Ms Ann know she betta sang!! She killin and not even trying..

[@Georgia_706]

This is the definition of Black excellence!! Golden days here

[@emmanuelkitara-b2e]

god is forever great and we all need optimism in our lives. i hope this message has an impact upon the reader. May god Forever be with you.....!!!

[@Zoom19Lov]

I still love it !

[@RealFloridaWater]

I love love love this song and so appreciate this. Thank you for sharing. What the world needs today 💖 more music like this.

[@arresteddevelopment2158]

PERFECTION 🎉🎉🎉. This song saved my life so many times.

[@user-hf9bl5wd9t]

Thank you to all the Angels who would preach knowledge to the People at Wesr End in Atlanta in the 80s and 90s. I love you.

[@djscrutinize6721]

Child hold song throughout my elementary years optimistic was the somg played every event and every award ceremony.forever grateful for this music, and im still listening to them until this day 👏🏽🫴🏽

[@alacarte5073]

Love her adds. Love the Apollo, iconic venue.

[@kykyakalakya2348]

They have always been my favorite group!! ❤❤

[@mazzoanV2]

So gutted that they never charted here in the UK but I've sent this song to all my friends and family

[@anitakos1375]

Thank You JESUS OUR SAVIOUR!! Only YOU KNOW HOW MUCH MY HEART NEEDS THIS ENCOURAGEMENT FROM YOU ALMIGHTY FATHER!! Help me KEEP MY HEAD TO THE SKY!! I can’t give up!! LORD HAVE MERCY on me and my beautiful, precious Mother!! We feel so crushed!! Weary!! Matthew 11:28 ✝️✝️✝️ Amen!! In JESUS CHRIST MIGHTY NAME!! I pray!! Hallelujah!! Bless me with HOPE DEAR FATHER!! I LOVE YOU JESUS!! 🙏❤️❤️❤️

[@ANTPHRESSH89]

When in the midst of sorrow You can' t see up when looking down A brighter day tomorrow will bring, oh You hear the voice of reason Telling you this can't never be done No matter how hard reality seems Just hold on to your dreams, yeah Don't give up and don't give in Although it seems you never win You will always pass the test As long as you keep your head to the sky You can win as long as you keep your head to the sky You can win as long as you keep your head to the sky Face toward the sky Be optimistic

[@noelcabrera4789]

This gave me goosebumps wow, God is great ❤

[@djjones7816]

Here in 2025! Still inspired. 💪🏿

[@ANTPHRESSH89]

They Live And Did It Flawless I Felt That Church Spirir Come Out. I Love Us As Black People We Are So Inspiring. 🌟🧘🏾‍♂️🥲🙌🏽❤️❤️❤️

[@bdscorpio1]

I would have ran all the way around that venue this sends chills old old school gospel SINGGGGG FAMILY R I Perfect Peace Ms. Cissy Houston you’re with your daughter and granddaughter 🙏🏿🕊️🙏🏿🕊️🙏🏿🕊️

[@MYESHIA-DAWN-MATTHEWS]

Loved this I was 12 in 91 when I first heard this love it til this day they rocked it ❤

[@clarenceawalker1873]

As long as you can keep your head to the sky you can win🙏.

[@awsho3294]

Damn..they threw down! frfr!

[@shay_lah]

MINNEAPOLIS STAND UP ❤

[@novavision2762]

By the way of Chicago

[@ANTPHRESSH89]

If things around you crumble No, you don't have to stumble and fall Keep pushing on and don't you look back, oh I know of storms and strife I been around them all of life Just think ahead and you'll be inspired To reach higher and higher You'll always do your best If you learn to never say never You may be down, but you're not out

[@strauqq1]

What a great song!!!!

[@cedricway7552]

This song right here have or has gotten me through some tough times , been on my play list . That Part ... ..😇

[@yocomdw1274]

This song is always right on time. ❤❤❤

[@billysun7119]

Quand les artistes avaient encore de l'allure !

[@_danielle_333]

🥰🙏🏼💫🎶✨This song is everything!!!

[@timothygingras6939]

My brother and sisters that’s 30 years ago in my opinion. If that song don’t lift up your positivness I don’t know what to tell yah Jesus

[@kimberlywainwright]

One of the best songs ever. So inspiring ❤😊

[@akeillewis7515]

Thank you for posting, this live performance brings life to this songs, best version and quality of this live performance i have found 🙏🏾

[@Dii552]

I love this SONG!

[@coldskoolbeatz]

Chills🥶🥶🥶 What a vocal performance👍🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@jameswillard5432]

OPTIMISTIC BABY🔥👏💪”94

[@DonWilliams-sk8gw]

This song makes me think positive thoughts.

[@twizobuckley]

I swea the sung this like how it's recorded ❤I remember this playing on the radio as a kid in the 90's

[@GraciaBelievesthatJesusSaves]

One of my first favorite rythem and bleuse songs that i listened to in my younger years .🙂and i am still looking up to the sky trough the difficult moments ...

[@alessandrovich]

Спасибо, братцы!

[@scoopie7478]

Real singing in the 90s. No autotune. Pure vocals

[@tinaBabe4]

🙆🏽‍♀🙆🏽‍♀🙆🏽‍♀🙌🏼💛 **I LOVE MY GOD in HEAVEN.. DEEPLY**

[@raylin5905]

This never gets old

[@Pistons2024]

The jam 🔥🔥🔥

[@ygkt1339]

Greatest page on the tube

[@michellebauer6352]

Saw them in concert with luther. Outstanding!

[@jrallday]

It's A Vibe !

[@KingMD7152]

Within you is where I dwell. Blackness

[@8amook760]

I loooove this song❤

[@AJ-gz6qd]

Mrs. Nesby is outstanding.

[@troyjohnson6317]

You better keep yo head 2 the sky

[@rickjohnson8707]

MORE NOW THAN EVER ! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@aarondixon460]

Song is beautiful and timeless

[@yogiman4293]

The message is the message! Amen!

[@sharongodfrey3395]

We need it now.

[@Marcshark-t8o]

🫵🌚Family Anthem🥰😉

[@frankmcclenton7660]

I really needed to hear this. I love my people thank you so much 💓 💗

[@leondraejohnson6997]

Man ol man…….this was such a great feeling of a time

[@melodysanger103]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUSICAL DIRECTOR GARY HINES (MAY 20, 2024

[@twoot63]

HBD Maestro!

[@thomaspowell5995]

My go to song 💯🦾

[@scmakonnen]

No time like the 90s.

[@knight9k]

Takes me bavk to the early 90's...Great song, good times..🤙🏾

[@rodneybrown8683]

Awesome indeed ❤️❤