Black Parade (song)
"Black Parade" is a song by American singer Beyoncé. It was produced by Beyoncé and Derek Dixie in the wake of the murder of George Floyd and the protests that followed it. The song was surprise released on June 19, 2020, also referred to as Juneteenth, a day commemorating the abolishment of slavery in the United States. The song serves as a celebration of Black culture and the support of Black activism. While initially a stand-alone single, an extended version of the song was used in the end credits of Beyoncé's film Black Is King and included in the accompanying deluxe edition of The Lion King: The Gift, both released on July 31, 2020.
This article is about the Beyoncé song. For the song by My Chemical Romance, see Welcome to the Black Parade."Black Parade"
June 19, 2020
- 4:41 (original version)
- 5:16 (extended version)
- Beyoncé
- Derek Dixie
"Black Parade" received critical acclaim upon release, with praise for its lyrical references to black history, culture, pride and activism, as well as for Beyoncé's vocal performance. Critics noted the track's ability to act as a condemnation of racism and a call to action for protestors against police brutality, while also serving as an uplifting celebration of black culture. The release of the song caused a significant rise in sales for several black-owned small businesses. It was the most nominated song at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards, with four nominations, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year. The song won Best R&B Performance, which was Beyoncé's 28th Grammy win, making her the most awarded singer and female artist in Grammy history.
Release and promotion[edit]
The song was released on June 19, 2020, through Parkwood and Columbia Records.[8] It marked the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth, the holiday celebrating the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the United States and which originated in Beyoncé's home state of Texas.[9] Upon announcing the release of the single on Instagram, Beyoncé wrote: "Happy Juneteenth Weekend! I hope we continue to... celebrate each other, even in the midst of struggle. Please continue to remember our beauty, strength and power. 'BLACK PARADE' celebrates... your voice and... will benefit Black-owned small businesses."[10]
All proceeds from the song benefit the BeyGOOD Black Business Impact Fund, a fund established by Beyoncé that supports black-owned small businesses in need.[11] As of December 31, 2020, the fund had given 715 grants to black-owned small businesses, amounting to $7.15 million donated.[12] Together with the song, Beyoncé launched the "Black Parade Route" initiative that highlights black-owned businesses and creatives.[13]
The song was used in the end credits of Black Is King and included in the accompanying deluxe edition of The Lion King: The Gift, both released on July 31, 2020.[14]
Commercial performance[edit]
"Black Parade" debuted on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 at number 37 on July 4, 2020. The song became Beyoncé's 40th top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, matching Michael Jackson.[44] The song debuted at number one on the Digital Song Sales chart with 18,000 units sold, becoming her ninth number-one on the chart and first solo number-one since "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)".[45] "Black Parade" also debuted in the top 30 of numerous international charts, number 13 in Belgium (Ultratip Flanders),[46] number 25 in Scotland (Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart),[47] and number 30 on the Australian ARIA Urban chart.[48]