Ethos: I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free

Music has a dynamic ability of influencing emotions, from mood regulation to rumination and self-expression. The presence of political and social messages in popular music is frequently seen across cultures, in particular focusing on social issues and racism (Back, 2000, 127). This paper attempted to explore the political and social messages in popular music, more specifically it investigated the relationship between Soul music and civil rights movements in the United States.

Popular singer Elton John once said; “music has healing power; it has the ability to take people out of themselves for a few hours”, and for most, music is the portal to an out of body experience. African American lyricists especially have been found to use the art of music to escape the real world, commencing from the slavery era and onward. The blues song titled The Tracks of My Tears does just that; expresses the ability to remove your soul from a treacherous reality. Similarly, the lyrics from popular modern songs, written by black artists, speak volumes about what is presently going on in the country, parallel to the way African American slavery songs did. Music written at an earlier period have been found to correlate to music of the past through providing strong emotion toward present day commentary.

The only thing more powerful in mobilizing symbols, sentiments, and sensibilities than popular culture, is personal and shared experiences. What is so potent about pop culture however, is the ability of its participants to share their personal experiences to audiences than can both empathize and relate to the realities these artists present. This extended period of the civil rights and black power era can arguably be defined as the mobilization of the larger public by popular black figures whose individual charismas and drive inspired collective action. Some of these figures were exclusively political, many of which prominent intellects of race academia and/or known for their discourses that captivated thousands. And then there were figures that used their influence as musicians or writers who, with access beyond those with a conscious interest in politics, could incite people to think and reevaluate their lived realities through song and performance. Nina Simone is perhaps the most politically significant figure of the latter group, as she not only actively participated as a proponent of civil rights efforts, but became a pioneer in black power and feminist ideology.

Furthermore, the music created by African American slaves accurately reflected the positions in society which they held. For example, African American blues is not a happy form of music. Rather, it is more somber in describing the brutal

This is article has taken an interest with both views of how music can affect you. The article examines Holocaust survivors and how they react to music. During the holocaust the Nazis used music as an element of torture. For instance, singing on command, where failure to obey or satisfy the guards could incur fatal consequences, was used to frighten, humiliate, and degrade prisoners. (Atarah 1223) Interviewing multiple survivors and examining how music effected their life before, during and after the Holocaust the article proves that it had

In closing, it is so important to remember the relevance of music and its effects on society. While some can argue music has a greater consequence on society, it is important to remember why the music was created. The afore mentioned artists created their music in a way to focus on how to relay a particular message about how people were feeling about what was going on during those certain periods of time. Whether it be during the Civil Rights Movement or just general songs relaying how society was reacting to different situations such as a continuing feeling of racial

The civil rights movement had a powerful impact of the African American community as a whole. After the movement and several victories over the laws of discrimination from the governement, black people found themselves appearing nearly everywhere. From drawing conclusions, the 70’s was the peak of African Americans in film, television, theatre and even music. So far as the music industry, Black artists were making empowering songs to encourage the solidarity and pride in being a black person. African Americans also made music about current events in the world. Artists such as Marvin Gaye made songs about war, protests and moral issues of the government. In music, the intellect and thoughts of an African American was displayed by their lyrics. No one infiltrated their songs because it was their own creations. However, this was not the same case in movies cast and written for black people.

In American culture music has affected the demand for social change. Point of Proof 1: In the Soundtrack for a Revolution, the music was about wanting Civil Rights, which was a change for the American culture. Point of Proof 2: “American Pie” is about wanting social change in solutions for problems. Point of Proof 3: The “Jazz Age” brought social change to the perspectives people

Music has been a template for expression since early man, it reaches the depths of a person’s soul by seeking out emotions. In society music plays a major role in the development of historical events, and musicians can be at the center of this due to their fan following. Some musicians just play to make money, while others play to make a statement. The ones that play to make a statement influence people, they also manage to give the people a voice that can be resonated throughout society. During the 1960’s this was a pivotal point for musicians to make a political statement, be it Civil Rights or the Vietnam War. A few of the artists that made political statements during this era would be Bob Dylan, the Beatles, and James Brown; however, there are many more artist who spoke their minds through their music. James Brown was influential in the Civil Rights movement by influencing the Black community through his music. Browns music offered pride, inspiration, and defiance.

Freedom songs were a key element to the development of the Civil Rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s. During mass meetings, marches, and violent confrontations, music offered an outlet for people to express their emotions and a place to draw courage from. The ability of songs to draw together communities in order to build morale and support for the movement, while reaffirming the need for a nonviolent Movement in America during this period of time, profoundly contributed to the development of protest movements across the nation. However, though freedom songs appeared in many styles during the 1960s, with songs such as “We Shall Overcome” and those associated with Black Power like “Mississippi Goddamn” appearing in the same period, the role

Music is a medium that has shaped the ages in relation to its significant role in social movements. Actually, music has acted as one of the various methods and vehicles through which social movements have existed and developed. The role and significance of music in shaping the ages is primarily attributed to the fact that it represents more than entertainment as it has spoken for generations and exemplified belief systems. Generally, music has had a tremendous relationship to and impact on social movements in every decade from the 1960s through 2000-2010. Music has been used as a means of exemplifying the mood of the decade in terms of high profile events or movements that took place in the respective decade.

The two songs that I am going to analyze Is Nina Simone “To Be Young, Gifted and Black,” and Gil Scott Heron “Whitey on the Moon”. I will view both of these songs in terms of there contributions to the counter hegemonic force fighting against the dominant white supremacist ideology that was prevalent during the 50’s and 60’s.

In this essay I will attempt to underscore and celebrate Simone’s activist efforts through song and demonstrate the messages in the music about race, gender, and class.

The 1960’s was one of the most controversial decades in American history because of not only the Vietnam War, but there was an outbreak of protests involving civil and social conditions all across college campuses. These protests have been taken to the extent where people either have died or have been seriously injured. However, during the 1960’s, America saw a popular form of art known as protest music, which responded to the social turmoil of that era, from the civil rights movement to the war in Vietnam. A veritable pantheon of musicians, such as Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Phil Ochs, Joan Baez, and Bob Dylan sang their songs to encourage union organizers to protest the inequities of their time, creating a diverse variety of popular

Throughout time, music has been an influential part of society. As a form of entertainment and expression, its impact has always been felt both economically and emotionally. During the Vietnam war, music evolved into more a form of expression rather than pure entertainment. Emotionally charged songs became a method to oppose the war, and vent frustrations. While many songs opposed the war, numerous others focused on peace and happiness. They provided a positive perspective in an otherwise depressing time. Along with incorporating passion into music, cultural diversity increased in music greatly. Black artists became progressively more popular and accepted in the musical scene. This respect