A cookout is not a cookout without the right music playing while the grill heats up. This One Gotta Go card puts four playlist legends together: Luther Vandross, Earth, Wind & Fire, Frankie Beverly & Maze and Cameo. Each one can get the aunties, uncles and cousins moving.
Three artists stay on the speaker, and one is taken off the playlist forever. Think about the songs that start the line dance, the ones that bring everyone to the dance floor and the one you could skip. Then make your pick and see who at the cookout starts singing first.
The 4 choices on this card
A. Luther Vandross
Luther Vandross brought smooth, soulful vocals to songs like Never Too Much and So Amazing. His voice is pure velvet. His music leans romantic and slow, which makes him the cut for some people who want high energy at the cookout.
Keep it if: Never Too Much is a cookout must for you, and nobody sings a love song like Luther.
B. Earth, Wind & Fire
Earth, Wind & Fire gave us September, Let's Groove and Boogie Wonderland, with horns and harmonies that fill any backyard. They are celebration music. Because their songs are played at so many events, some people feel they are the easiest to replace.
Keep it if: September comes on and you are dancing, every single time, no matter what month it is.
C. Frankie Beverly & Maze
Frankie Beverly & Maze are often called the heart of the cookout, with Before I Let Go as a true anthem. Beyonce even covered it in 2019. Cutting them would be bold, but some say the cookout would survive with the others.
Keep it if: Before I Let Go is the song that makes your whole family jump up and start the line dance.
D. Cameo
Cameo brought funk hits like Word Up! and Candy, a song that gets everyone doing a line dance. They are pure fun. They have fewer cookout classics than the others, which makes Cameo the most common pick to cut.
Keep it if: Candy starts and you are in the line dance before the first verse, every single time.
Our take
We would cut Cameo, even with Candy and Word Up! on the list. Luther brings the smooth, Earth, Wind & Fire brings the celebration and Frankie Beverly & Maze bring the anthem that defines the cookout. The most fun debate usually comes down to Maze against Earth, Wind & Fire, since both have songs that get every generation dancing. Play one song from each and let the dance floor decide.
How to play this card with friends
- Read the four choices out loud.
- Everyone picks the one they'd eliminate at the same time.
- Explain your pick. This is where the fun starts.
- Use the follow-up questions below to keep it going.
Follow-up questions to keep the debate going
- Which artist is the most essential on a cookout playlist?
- What song starts the line dance at your family cookouts?
- Who would you add to the cookout hall of fame?
- What cookout artist would you add to this card?
Want more debates like this? Get the One Gotta Go card game for game night, family dinners and road trips. Shop the decks.
Cookout Playlist: quick answers
Why is Before I Let Go a cookout anthem?
Before I Let Go by Frankie Beverly and Maze, released in 1981, became a staple at Black family gatherings, cookouts and reunions, where it often starts a line dance. Its joyful sound brings every generation to the dance floor. Beyonce covered it on her 2019 Homecoming album, bringing it to a new audience.
What line dance goes with Candy by Cameo?
Candy by Cameo is one of the most popular songs for the Electric Slide, a line dance done at parties, weddings and cookouts. Its steady groove makes it easy for everyone to join in, from kids to grandparents. The steps are simple enough to learn in one song.
