Detroit Proud Playlist: Week of 5/26 - Special Memorial Day Celebration Playlist!

Hey there, Detroit Proud music fans! Guess what? Memorial Day weekend is here and you know what that means, right?! Summer has finally arrived! (Yeah, trust us when we say that we weren't sure it was going to make it either.) Well, that being said, it seems only appropriate that we've created the perfect summer playlist – for all those Memorial Day BBQs, pool parties, family get-togethers – whatever you're doing, we're sure this playlist will get you in the summer celebration spirit!

Ch-ch-check them out!

The Temptations – "The Way You Do The Things You Do"

Known to always feature at least five male vocalists and dancers, the group formed in 1960 in Detroit, originally under the name The Elgins. Today they're considered one of the best-selling groups of all time – having sold over tens of millions of records. Their energetic Motown classics are perfect for a sunny afternoon, so check them out here!

The White Stripes – "Icky Thump"

Did you know The White Stripes duo was noted for their fashion and design aesthetic (which featured a simple color scheme of red, white, and black) – which was used on every album and single cover the band released – as well as the band's obsession with the number three? This garage rock tune is sure to get even the non-dancer peeps moving. Check them out here!

Blaire Alise & The Bombshells – "Let Me Into Your Heart"

Blaire Alise & The Bombshells play a sweetened pop-rock in the essence of the 1960s, but then sprinkle a bit of that raucous Detroit grittiness on top. "Let Me Into Your Heart" is a song that captures the heart and spirit of a tenacious female rocker. Check them out here!

The Raconteurs – "Steady As She Goes"

Another project from the talented Jack White, The Raconteurs were originally deemed as a "super-group" because of all of the accomplished members, though they quickly said that they were not, but instead "a new band made up of old friends." Did you know that they started going by the name "The Saboteurs" for the Australian market after it was discovered that a Queensland band was already using the name "Raconteurs"? Check them out here!

Aretha Franklin – "Chain Of Fools"

Did you know Aretha Franklin recorded a total of 88 charted singles on Billboard, including 77 Hot 100 entries and twenty number-one R&B singles, becoming the most charted female artist in the chart's history? This track, "Chain Of Fools," won the Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, and later, a Grammy Hall of Fame Award. Oh, and in 2004, it was even ranked on the Rolling Stone's list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Whoa! Check her out here!

The HandGrenades – "A Heart Like Yours"

This track was only released a couple weeks ago (on the band's new EP 52) and we think it's the perfect summery, catchy tune to get anyone in the mood for long days with friends and families under the sparkling sun. The HandGrenades have won our hearts with their memorable melodies and breathtaking harmonies. Check them out here!

Almost Free – "Nothing Left"

Alternative rock band, Almost Free have left their mark on the Detroit music scene – playing together now for over 10 years. They vary in sound from high-energy rock to soft, whimsical melodies with Andy Bird's powerful echoing vocals. Check them out here!

Jet Rodriguez – "Red River Gorge"

Jet Rodriguez bring in their own mix of rock, folk, and psychedelic – crowning their style as "psychedelicate." They really do have such a unique sound - in Detroit, we often hear similar sounds of garage rock, and Jet Rodriguez make sure to keep themselves interesting by combining all types of styles. Check them out here!

The Summer Pledge – "Wonder"

With a name like "The Summer Pledge" you'd expect nothing but upbeat melodies wrapped in a summery atmosphere, right? Well, that is kind of exactly what you get...hence why they've earned a spot on our Memorial Day celebration playlist. Check out the song "Wonder" here!

The Paper Sound – "Find Your Voice"

The Paper Sound continue to impress us, with their impeccably-paired guitar riffs to their upbeat rhythm - add in the harmonizing vocals of singer Phil Kinney, and we just can't get enough. This track, "Find Your Voice," off of their newest album Trajectories, sound just like a perfect summer anthem to jam out to. Check out more from them here!

And there you have it Detroit Proud Playlist followers, our ideal set for a weekend of fun outdoor activities!

What are YOU doing this weekend? Tells in the comments!