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Freedom Songs
Freedom songs were popular among civil rights protesters which they found necessary to express their feelings of sadness and a need for change to come. Freedom songs were typically repetitive to help them be clearly understood. The use of freedom songs during protest were extremely powerful and used more often than speaking. Popular freedom songs include "We Shall Overcome" and "This Little Light of Mine". -
Soul Music for The Civil Rights Movement
Although soul music began in the 1950's, it continued into the early 1960's during the era of civil rights. Many African Americans used soul as a way of expressing their feelings towards racism, segregation, and social injustices. Throughout these years of protesting for rights of African Americans, many soul singers created albums and songs inspired by different events regarding civil rights. One album, "Freedom Highway" by The Staple Singers, was written after the lynching of Emmett Till. -
Feminism Movement Begins
The Second-wave of Feminism commenced when Betty Friedan published her book "The Feminine Mystique". The worked towards gender equality in the work place creating the Equal Pay Act of 1963. During this time, women were seen as household workers and were limited to jobs as teachers and secretaries. Songs like Lesley Gore's "You Don't Own Me" helped express women's voices and emotions towards these inequalities most women faced daily. -
The Start of Vietnam Protests
The protests began with peace activists organizing on college campuses spreading their thoughts on the violence of the Vietnam war. The United States began to bomb North Vietnam which influenced others to join the opposition. More and more young people continued to join the anti-war movement as the war carried on. Popular artists included lyrics about these protests in a genre called Psychedelic Rock. Songs such as Barry McGuire's "Eve of Destruction" were produced as anti-war symbols. -
Environmental Crisis
Pollution became a popular topic in the United States. Large cities faced dangerous levels of smog and carbon dioxide. One of the biggest events that influenced protests was the polluting of the Great Lakes which made many upset. Artists such as Tom Lehrer produced songs based on these growing concerns. His song "Pollution" was satirical because it warned others of drinking the water in America rather than the typical warning towards Americans visiting other countries. -
Rolling Stones Magazine
Rolling Stones magazine was the first rock and roll magazine created by Jann Wenner. The founders wanted rock and roll to have a voice during this time of cultural change. The magazine was able to focus on different music genres and societal changes. The magazine became a staple featuring many popular artists such John Lennon on their first cover. To this day, Rolling Stone discusses political issues and music. -
"British Invasion"
Originally initiated in 1964, Americans were fascinated by British rock bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. The United States took up the British view of anti-establishment known also as counterculture. Many felt this influx of British artists was ironic calling it the "British Invasion" where there is no longer British colonies, but they still control America in a different way. They influenced the American people towards standing up to the establishment, or "fighting the man".
