13 Captivating Father-Related Songs

Reading Time: 17 min read

13 Captivating Father-Related Songs features songs by Clarence Carter, George Michael, Jon Bellion, Korn, Luther Vandross, and The Winstons.

[otw_shortcode_dropcap label=”“I ” size=”large” border_color_class=”otw-no-border-color” shadow=”shadow” square=”square”]am no saint, I am no saint, it’s true / But I’ll be okay if I’m half the man as you,” Jon Bellion asserts on “Father Figure”, the fatherly title track from his 2025 album. His “Father Figure” should not be confused with the George Michael classic, where the deceased pop icon sang, “I will be your father figure / Put your tiny hand in mine (My baby) / I will be your preacher, teacher / Anything you have in mind.” Another deceased, legendary singer-songwriter, Luther Vandross, longed for “Another chance /Another walk / Another dance with him,” asserting, “I’d play a song that would never, ever end / How I’d love, love, love / To dance with my father again.” The common thread between “Father Figure” (Bellion), “Father Figure” (Michael), and “Dance with My Father” (Vandross) is the word Father![/otw_shortcode_dropcap]

13 Captivating Father-Related Songs is just what it says it is: a playlist with father-related songs. While father is the most common word that appears in the song titles, Dad and Daddy are acceptable, too. Also, the songs don’t have to explicitly mention fathers at all as long as the lyrics within the song reference a father-related theme – see the likes of “The Man He Sees in Me” and “Patches”. 13 Captivating Father-Related Songs features songs by Clarence Carter, George Michael, Jon Bellion, Korn, Luther Vandross, and The Winstons. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this playlist, originally intended to be published by Father’s Day 2025, but a little late, 13 Captivating Father-Related Songs!

~ Table of Contents ~

1. Jon Bellion, “Father Figure”	2. Scrim, “father, hold me”	3. Lana Del Rey, “Grandfather please stand on the shoulders of my father while he’s deep-sea fishing”	4. Luke Combs, “The Man He Sees in Me”
5. Kendrick Lamar, “Father Time” (Ft. Sampha)	6. Clarence Carter, “Patches”	7. George Michael, “Father Figure”	8. DMX, “Letter to My Son (Call Your Father)” (Ft. Usher & Brian King Joseph)
9. Green Day, “Father of All…”	10. Usher, “Sins of My Father”	11. Korn, “Daddy”	12. Luther Vandross, “Dance with My Father”
13. The Winstons, “Color Him Father”

1. Jon Bellion, “Father Figure”

Father Figure » Beautiful Mind. / UMG Recordings, Inc. » 2025

“Lord / Lord / F-father figure, known to protect / I do that shit forever” Word. In 2025, our beloved, Jon Bellion (Jonathan Bellion), with his first album in seven years, the self-funded Father Figure. Among the standout tracks is the fatherly “Father Figure”, which Bellion co-wrote with Dougie F (Douglas Ford), Aldae, Elkan, Pete Nappi, and Thom Bridges. Bellion produced it with Nappi, Bridges, and Elkan. Like many Jon Bellion songs, “Father Figure” is complex and utterly distinct, and we wouldn’t have it any other way!

The musical backdrop is impressive – the expected from a JB joint. There are unique, rhythmic vocal loops that appear consistently, a banging, East Coast, dusty hip-hop beat, and sweet, timely piano chords that occasionally enter the mix. In the music video, Bellion cues the keys, which is hella cool. Not only does the instrumental catch the ears by kicking ass and taking names, so does Bellion’s performance and the songwriting. Alternative pop and rap to the nth degree, Jon gives us plenty to digest. The intro and post-chorus (excerpted earlier) are spoken word. Bellion has a swagger about him, or maybe it’s that potent s-bomb. Bellion sings the chorus, the centerpiece and most prevalent recurring section. “I am no saint, I am no saint, it’s true / But I’ll be okay if I’m half the man as you,” he asserts, continuing, “These boys will make it through / I’ll follow after you.” Jon pays tribute to his father, admitting he’s imperfect, but if he follows the lessons he learned from his dad, he can pass them on to his children. But it goes deeper.

In the pre-chorus of sorts (or its own section?), Bellion confounds a bit: “Big Ferrari, you look so sick inside your big Ferrari.” Huh? Jon clarifies that he is speaking about being trapped in the addiction to accomplishment. In the ‘key verse,’ he expounds on this toxicity, melodically rapping, “All these horses, but where your carriage at? / All these crosses, but where your marriage at / For the lettuce / You took a flamethrower to the cabbage patch.” Woo! Before the return of the pre-chorus, he asserts, “Standing ovations, you built a coffin / And that shit looks just like a…” Big Ferrari, of course! What I admire most about Jon Bellion is his uniqueness as an artist, producer, and songwriter. He has a distinct style and always stands out from the crowd. “Father Figure” is one-of-a-kind, which is truly refreshing.

Appears in:

Jon Bellion, Father Figure: Wacky Wednesday No. 26 (2025)

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2. Scrim, “father, hold me”

via crusis » G59 » 2025

Scrim (Scott Arceneaux Jr.), one-half of the $uicideboys$, has always been talented. Notably, he shows a deeper side of himself on “Father, hold me,” the 12^th track on his 2025 album, via crusis. Julia Alexa is the first voice heard on “father, hold me,” singing the intro. She reappears, singing the bridge and outro. “I hate you, for what you did / Where do memories go when we die?” Memories, mortality, and spirituality are themes explored throughout this melodic performance by Scrim. “Father, hold me, it might be our last goodbye,” he sings in the first verse, adding, “Hopefully, where I’m going I’ll be fine.” In the second, every line is a question, including “Would you know my name?”, “Are my tears allowed if I see your face?”, and “Can the angels cry behind the gates.” In the third and final verse, he asserts, “Father told me: ‘You ain’t gotta worry, I got you now’ / But time kills slowly, everybody dies by word of mouth.” No extensive analysis necessary. “Father, hold me” is authentic, beautiful, and thoughtful.

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3.Lana Del Rey, “Grandfather please stand on the shoulders of my father while he’s deep-sea fishing”

Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd » Interscope » 2023

“God, if you’re near me, send me three white butterflies / Or an owl to know you’re listening, sitting while I’m drinking.” Um, okay… “Grandfather please stand on the shoulders of my father while he’s deep-sea fishing” (what a title) maintains the sheer excellence of Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd, the ninth studio album by Lana Del Rey. It features French pianist RIOPY, sampling his 2019 song, “Flo”. RIOPY successfully fuels Del Rey’s fire, further accentuated by the production genius of Jack Antonoff.  Antonoff performs most of the instruments, with Evan Smith adding saxophone to this awe-inspiring moment.  As for Lana, she ‘does her thing,’ impressing with her haunting instrument and colorful lyrics.  “Cause I’m good in spirit, warm-bodied / A fallible deity wrapped up in white,” she sings in the bridge, adding, “I’m folk, I’m jazz, I’m blue, I’m green / Regrettably, also a white woman / But I have good intentions even if I’m one of the last ones.” Well, alright, then!

Appears in:

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4. Luke Combs, “The Man He Sees in Me”

Fathers & Sons » Seven Ridges / Sony Music Entertainment » 2024

“He waves that blanket like the checkered flag pullin’ offa the interstate / With a Happy Meal cup held high like I won the big race.” Luke Combs sings about his sons on “The Man He Sees in Me”, the promo single and seventh track from his album, Fathers & Sons. He and Josh Phillips penned this reflective and thoughtful song. He produced it with Chip Matthews and Jonathan Singleton. “The Man He Sees in Me” gives all the feels. Combs sings with a beautiful tone idiomatic of country music. Accentuating his dynamic lead more are stunning vocal harmonies arriving during the chorus. The chorus is the crowning achievement, where Luke hopes he can be the man his sons view him as:

“Well, I hope he never finds out that I didn’t hang the moon

And I’ve never scared a monster out the closet of his room

Some day between him leavin’ home and drivin’ on my knee

But maybe I’ll finally be, the man he sees in me.”

“The Man He Sees in Me” is a well-rounded, sincerely penned, and performed song about fatherhood. Luke’s sons think the world of him. He wants to be the greatest father that he can be. Furthermore, he wants them to grow up to be great men.

Appears in:

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5. Kendrick Lamar, “Father Time” (Ft. Sampha)

Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers » Aftermath / Interscope » 2022

“You really need some therapy /… Yeah, you really need to talk to somebody / Reach out to Eckhart.” “Father Time” marks one of many highlights from Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, the 2022 comeback album from Kendrick Lamar. The Grammy and Pulitzer Prize winner brings in Sampha, which always seems to be a power move. Of course, Sampha sounds superb in the chorus, with his instantly recognizable tone. In “Father Time,” Kendrick focuses on daddy issues, exploring how he responded to them in both verses. One of his best lines: “I love my father for tellin’ me to take off the gloves / ‘Cause everything he didn’t want was everything I was.” Wow! That said, how often is that indeed the case? How about an even better lyric: “… Let’s give the women a break, grown men with daddy issues.” Coping is hard for the victim of such issues, but also, it also affects others associated with that person, such as a significant other.

Appears in:

15 F Songs: No Rhyme or Reason, Vol. 2 (2022)

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6. Clarence Carter, “Patches”

Patches » Atlantic » 1970

“I was born and raised down in Alabama / On a farm way back up in the woods / I was so ragged the folks used to call me ‘Patches.’” With those lines, so begins the soul gem, “Patches”.  The definitive version of “Patches” was released in 1970 by blind soul musician Clarence Carter.  Although he’s responsible for the Grammy-nominated version, which peaked at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, “Patches” was written by General Johnson and Ron Dunbar.  Carter and his brilliant delivery of the spoken word portions, as well as his soulfulness on the sung portions, truly make “Patches” the classic it is.

The songwriting is impeccable on “Patches” – pitch perfect.  The record depicts a family struggling to survive – working hard and doing the best that they can.  ‘Patches’ himself becomes the breadwinner, the head of the family, following the death of his father.  In addition to doing the things expected of a child, Patches also doubles as the man of the house.  The chorus truly hits home because there are so many families that experience some version of this.

“Patches, I’m depending on you, son

To pull the family through

My son, it’s all left up to you.”

All told, Carter feels like the perfect artist to sing “Patches”, period.  Added to the awesome songwriting and Carter’s exceptional performance is terrific production work. Like much of the soul of the 70s, Clarence has a picturesque, ear-catching backdrop to work with (horns, strings, and backing vocals, especially).

Appears in:

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7. George Michael, “Father Figure”

Faith » Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited » 1987

“Sometimes I think that you’ll never / Understand me (Understand me) / But somethin’ tells me together / We’d be happy.” Noted, George Michael! The late, great pop singer, songwriter, and producer concocted a gem for the ages with “Father Figure”. “Father Figure” is the second track from his 1987 diamond-certified, Grammy-winning pop masterpiece, Faith. Michael wrote and produced it. Unsurprisingly, “Father Figure” spent two weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. It was the only song from Faith nominated for a Grammy at the 31^st Annual Grammy Awards.

“Father Figure” shines in every facet. Instrumentally, it dons gorgeous keyboards, pads, and synths. The riffs are distinct and utterly sweet. The groove is a 10 out of 10, easily. Of course, it’s the handsome and talented George Michael that everybody came for. He doesn’t disappoint, delivering terrific vocals. His breathy tone, particularly in the first verse, is to die for. “That’s all I wanted, something special / Something sacred in your eyes,” he sings, continuing, “For just one moment to be bold and naked / At your side.” Oh, snap, George! The melodies are tuneful throughout, with the centerpiece, the chorus, taking the cake. Following the first and second verses, there is a refrain that is varied, not to be confused with the chorus (excepted earlier). With the arrival of the chorus, George, the background vocalists (Chris Cameron and Shirley Lewis), and the musical backdrop, ‘kick things up a notch.’ Cameron and Lewis carry the melody, while Michael ad-libs and riffs.

“I will be your father figure
Put your tiny hand in mine (My baby)
I will be your preacher, teacher
Anything you have in mind (Hee)
I will be your father figure
I have had enough of crime
I will be the one who loves you
‘Til the end of time.”

The third verse is a vibe, like the first and second. Love (and sex) continues to be the modus operandi. Following the third refrain and second chorus, we get an extended bridge. Bridges aren’t typically this long, but it works out well for GM. “Greet me with the eyes of a child / My love is always tellin’ me so,” he sings, continuing, “Heaven is a kiss and a smile /Just hold on, hold on, and I won’t let you go, my baby.” Although he was short-lived, dying at 53 years young, George Michael left an iconic musical catalog. “Father Figure” easily ranks near the top.

Appears in:

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8. DMX, “Letter to My Son (Call Your Father)” (Ft. Usher & Brian King Joseph)

Exodus » Def Jam » 2021

In 2021, the world, sadly, lost a musical icon. Earl Simmons, best known as gruff-voiced, East Coast rapper DMX, passed away at the age of 50 on April 9, 2021. Yes, Simmons was ‘rough around the edges,’ but the sheer talent and influence he brought to the game, as well as his tremendous faith, is undeniable. In May 2021, X’s posthumous album, Exodus, was released. The final, full-length song on the album is the emotional “Letter to My Son (Call Your Father).” Exodus is named after DMX’s youngest song. “Letter to My Son (Call Your Father),” however, is addressed to his eldest son. DMX reflects on his mistakes, apologizes for them, and desires a relationship.

“What I’m saying is stop thinkin’ like a child

‘Cause what if it’s when I’m gone (Damn)

That you gotta realize you’re wrong? (Damn)

And we could’ve been best of friends all along

But it would kinda defeat the purpose of the song.”

DMX enlists Usher (“But I can learn from my mistakes / Not too late, it ain’t too late /Call your father”) and violinist Brian King Joseph for the assist, with both doing a superb job. This is the song on Exodus that truly makes you want to shed tears, considering the state of the relationship between X and Xavier.

Appears in:

Bad, Bad Parents: The Playlist (2022)

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9. Usher, “Sins of My Father”

Looking 4 Myself » RCA » 2012

Confessions (2004) was the biggest and most important album of Usher’s musical career, period. Usher moved beyond the juggernaut, even if subsequent albums didn’t perform as well. One of those subsequent albums, Looking 4 Myself, truly marked a wane in his popularity. Not only was Raymond becoming older, but R&B itself began to ‘cool down’ in that particular year, 2012. Nonetheless, the more pop-centric contemporary R&B album still debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and had its fair share of moments. Among the best moments was non-single, “Sins of My Father.” What shouldn’t come as a surprise is that this groovy R&B record encompasses a three-letter word. “Whoa, now, I think this woman went and put a hex on me,” Usher sings on the first verse, continuing, “Whoa, now, why’d I let her go and put that sex on me?” Essentially, thinking with his pants, Ush let this woman ‘corrupt him’… Yeah, the same guy who turned innocent kisses into something much more X-rated on “Good Kisser”, sigh. To be fair, “Good Kisser” arrived two years later, so maybe Usher was ‘purer’ before this woman, “Speaking in a tongue that sounds new to me.” Of course, the best moment of “Sins of My Father” (aside from killer production courtesy of Salaam Remi) is the chorus:

“It’s the sins of my father

He left the debt to his son

To pay the girl who’s a mother

Collector won’t let me run

But she didn’t make me pay for it with my money

I paid for the sins of my father.”

Appears in:

12 Thrilling, But Utterly Sinful Songs (2020)

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10. Green Day, “Father of All…”

Father of All… » Reprise » 2020

“I got paranoia baby / And it’s so hysterical / Crackin’ up under the pressure / Looking for a miracle.” Interesting, Billie Joe Armstrong. In 2020, Grammy-winning punk darlings Green Day released Father of All… Fittingly, they released “Father of All…” as the promo single for the LP. Green Day keeps things brief (two and a half minutes long). The tempo is quite fast, the volume is loud, the energy quite pronounced, and the vocal distortion turned up to the nth degree. In addition to distortion on Armstrong’s vocals, he also serves up falsetto. The first time I heard “Father of All…” was quite off-putting because it sounds starkly quite different from what the band has released in recent times. There is no political theme or message, something Armstrong has made clear from the get-go. Still, “Father of All…” has bite to it, evidenced by lyrics such as “Hurry up ‘cause I’m making a fuss / Fingers up ‘cause there’s no one to trust.” Give “Father of All…” credit for the fact that it’s ‘in-your-face,’ unapologetic punk if nothing else. The attitude and energy win, even if the execution is questionable to an extent.

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11. Korn, “Daddy”

Korn » Sony Music Entertainment, Inc. » 1994

“Mother, please forgive me / I just had to get out all my pain and suffering / Now that I am done, remember I will always love you / I’m your son.” What a way to begin a song! What was the pain that Jonathan Davis, the frontman of the nu metal band Korn, was experiencing? Sexual abuse. Capturing such abuse in a song naturally makes “Daddy” controversial. It also makes the song incredibly powerful. Davis experienced abuse in real life at the hands of a babysitter who has since passed away. Davis has plenty to express on the 12^th and final track from Korn’s 1994 self-titled debut. Nine and a half minutes of this 17 ½ minute song capture Davis’s reaction to his trauma. Written by Korn, Ross Robinson produced this difficult, controversial, but important listen. Robinson is credited with getting one of the rawest, most emotional performances from Davis.

“Innocent child, looking so sweet / I’ll rape your mind and now your flesh I reap.” Yikes! Those lyrics hail from the first verse, which is performed enigmatically, sounding troubled and weird. The same sentiment occurs in the second verse, where Davis asserts, “Come out and play, I’ll be your daddy.” Davis’ vocals grow angrier and louder during the choruses that follow the verses. He shouts, “You raped, I feel dirty / It hurt, as a child / Tied down, ‘that’s a good boy’ / And fucked your own child.” Davis wasn’t singing about his father committing this heinous, pedophilic, and predatory act. But he is a victim, and he is upset with his parents (mom) in this song about their unbelief regarding the incident. “I didn’t touch you there / Mommy said she didn’t care,” he sings in the bridge, continuing, “I didn’t touch you there / That’s why Mommy stopped and stared.” Far too many times, the abused stories are ignored and neglected. It already takes immense courage to reveal such a personal, troubling experience. In the final chorus, Davis is truly torn to shreds, singing “I scream, no one hears me / It hurt, I’m not a liar / My God, saw you watch / Mommy, why your own child.” Post-chorus, Davis lets the f-bombs fly, as he unleashes his raw emotion towards his abuser:

“I fuckin’ hate you

Oh, you fucker

Motherfucker, I fuckin’ hate you, fuck you

You son of a bitch,

You fuckin’ ruined my life

I wanted to die…”

“Daddy” does a phenomenal job of capturing angst, pain, and tension. It is uncomfortable to listen to, as it should be. No one, particularly an innocent child, deserves to be abused. Furthermore, their story should not be dismissed. This is trauma that deserves to be addressed justly. This could not have been an easy song for Jonathan Davis to sing, yet he gave his all and delivered one of the best performances of his illustrious career.

Appears in:

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12. Luther Vandross, “Dance with My Father”

Dance with My Father » Sony Music Entertainment » 2003

Luther Vandross (1951 – 2005) was one of the smoothest vocalists in the game, period. The Grammy-winning R&B artist had his fair share of success. Vandross’ final studio album, 💿 Dance With My Father, earned him the no. 1 spot on the Billboard 200, as well as double-platinum certification – the biggest album of his career. Sadly, his health was poor when Dance With My Father was released. Just two years later, Vandross died at 54. The biggest song from Dance With My Father is “Dance with My Father”, which earned some success on the Billboard Hot 100 as well (it peaked at number 38).

“Back when I was a child / Before life removed all the innocence / My father would lift me high / And dance with my mother and me and then…” “Dance with My Father” recounts the joyous times that Vandross experienced with his late father. It is a celebratory record that longs for one more dance – one final time spent with him, best exemplified by the chorus:

“If I could get another chance

Another walk

Another dance with him

I’d play a song that would never, ever end

How I’d love, love, love

To dance with my father again.”

Vandross never seems to break a sweat as he sings, performing with incredible finesse, refinement, and utmost sophistication. Even when “Dance with My Father” integrates a modulation (key change), Luther retains a sense of poise. He’s commanding throughout “Dance with My Father,” even if he eschews gospel histrionics and endless vocal runs. Further making this Grammy-winning record epic beyond the songwriting (Vandross and Richard Marx), and elite vocal performance is the production (Vandross), which is firmly planted in adult contemporary R&B. All told, this is an excellent, incredibly moving, and thoughtful record – one of the best of the Luther Vandross discography.

Appears in:

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13. The Winstons, “Color Him Father”

Color Him Father » Metromedia  » 1969    

“There’s a man at my house, he’s so big and strong / He goes to work each day, and he stays all day long.” That’s admirable.  Furthermore, “He comes home each night, looking tired and beat,” he never frowns, asking “How’s my child?” As these lyrics suggest, The Winstons  deliver a special record that highlights how special a loving, dedicated father is on “Color Him Father” from their 1969 album of the same title. “I think I’ll color this man father / I think I’ll color him love.”  The chorus is incredibly memorable and more importantly, thoughtful and touching.   Making “Color Him Father” even more thoughtful is the fact that we learn this man who is ‘colored’ father isn’t the biological father! See Exhibit B, the second verse:  

“Our real old man, he got killed in the war 

And she knows she and seven kids couldn’t of gotten very far 

She said she thought that she could never love again 

And then there he stood with that big wide grin 

He married my mother, and he took us in 

And now we belong to the man with that big wide grin.”    

Wow, the feels, the feels, the feels given off this top 10 hit (reached number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100). Also, deservedly, The Winstons were nominated for a Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group.   

Appears in:

~ Table of Contents ~ » ~ intro ~

13 Captivating Father-Related Songs (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Aftermath, Atlantic, Beautiful Mind., Def Jam, Interscope, Jake Trevor, Metromedia, RCA, Reprise, Seven Ridges, Sony Music Entertainment, Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited, UMG Recordings, Inc.; AcatXIo, Mila Okta Safitri, Pheladi Shai, soponyono from Pixabay]

13 Captivating Father-Related Songs features songs by Clarence Carter, George Michael, Jon Bellion, Korn, Luther Vandross, and The Winstons.

~ Table of Contents ~

1. Jon Bellion, “Father Figure”

Father Figure » Beautiful Mind. / UMG Recordings, Inc. » 2025

2. Scrim, “father, hold me”

via crusis » G59 » 2025

3.Lana Del Rey, “Grandfather please stand on the shoulders of my father while he’s deep-sea fishing”

Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd » Interscope » 2023

4. Luke Combs, “The Man He Sees in Me”

Fathers & Sons » Seven Ridges / Sony Music Entertainment » 2024

5. Kendrick Lamar, “Father Time” (Ft. Sampha)

Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers » Aftermath / Interscope » 2022

6. Clarence Carter, “Patches”

Patches » Atlantic » 1970

7. George Michael, “Father Figure”

Faith » Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited » 1987

8. DMX, “Letter to My Son (Call Your Father)” (Ft. Usher & Brian King Joseph)

Exodus » Def Jam » 2021

9. Usher, “Sins of My Father”

Looking 4 Myself » RCA » 2012

10. Green Day, “Father of All…”

Father of All… » Reprise » 2020

11. Korn, “Daddy”

Korn » Sony Music Entertainment, Inc. » 1994

12. Luther Vandross, “Dance with My Father”

Dance with My Father » Sony Music Entertainment » 2003

13. The Winstons, “Color Him Father”

Color Him Father » Metromedia » 1969

~ Table of Contents ~ » ~ intro ~

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