In the midst of a 1960s shift in cultural norms, protestors flooded city streets singing the rallying lyrics of “We Shall Overcome.” The song, which became an unforgettable anthem for justice leaders, is one of the many examples of songs fueling social movements. Over the course of centuries, music has expanded to become a powerful means of creating societal change.
Throughout American history, singers and songwriters have used music as a form of political activism. Arguably the most profound example of musical activism can be seen during the United States Civil Rights Movement.
From 1954 to 1968, African American activists led a pivotal fight for racial equality and an end to discrimination. During the Civil Rights Movement, famed singer Billie Holiday wrote her song “Strange Fruit” based on the lynching of two black teenagers in the South. Despite being blacklisted from numerous radio stations, the song rose to fame and became an anthem for the cause. Holiday’s piece was also named “Song of the Century” by Time in 1999, cementing her music’s influence on American history.
Holiday was only one of the many artists who made waves with their work. The Staple Singers were an R&B group that became known for their protest songs during the movement. The group belonged to Stax Records, a company known for exemplifying racial collaboration. The Staple Singers, along with Carla Thomas and Floyd Newman, were among many musicians who gathered to empower Black artists and raise awareness about the issues at hand. In 1972, Stax Records held the Wattstax Music Festival, which drew 12,000 attendees and became the second largest gathering of African-Americans in the United States at the time.
In the 1980s, just over a decade later, a crisis emerged that brought forth a new generation of musicians. The Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome epidemic tragically yielded millions of deaths and a mass spread of misinformation regarding the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. A lack of understanding surrounding the virus led to gay men and people of color facing intense discrimination based upon false assumptions. Amidst the chaos and ostracization, however, people found strength in music.
American singer Dianne Warwick released her single “That’s What Friends are For” as a charity song for AIDS research and prevention. The hit raised over three million dollars, reached number one on national charts and won the Grammy for Song of the Year in 1987. Additionally, Janet Jackson’s 1997 song titled “Together Again” was created as a tribute to AIDS victims and aimed to shed light on the realities of communities living with HIV. For both of these singers, as well as the hundreds of other artists who found their voices in art, music was crucial to protecting the lives of people all across the nation.
While songs with lyrics are commonly recognized as the primary form of musical activism, classical music has had an equally important impact on societal progress. Composer Aaron Copland is one of the most famous figures in American classical music. His 1942 piece “Fanfare for the Common Man” was an invigorating cry for democracy and unity in the face of World War II. Even today, the piece is often broadcasted on television and played at political rallies.
Just like the ballads, blues and symphonies of the 1900s changed their respective societies, modern-day music continues to prove a potent force in inspiring justice. 21st century artists have continuously addressed issues of sexism and body positivity in their songs. Female rappers in particular often use their music as a safe space to dismantle taboo topics. In “Work It” and “Lose Control,” rapper and singer Missy Elliot empowered women through her lyrics on reclaiming derogatory words and taking pride in one’s body. By creating music that speaks on such topics, female rappers liberate themselves from societal expectations regarding what is acceptable to discuss in their music.
Music is a uniquely expressive means of furthering societal change. For centuries, songs have united communities in times of turmoil and provided artists with a platform to convey their thoughts to a wider audience. Regardless of the time or place in history, the impact of music in social activism is undeniably valuable.
As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Freedom songs are the soul of the movement.”
