Premium Essay

Folk Protest Movement

Submitted By
Words 2440
Pages 10
Brendan Heffernan
Mr. Wallace
History Day rough draft
09/11/14

“Music can change the world because it can change people.” (Bono)Throughout history people have sought change through music. From opposing war to combatting racism, using the power of music for social change is an American tradition. The genre perhaps most closely associated with protest music is folk. Folk trailblazers like Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger are important not only because they changed the thinking at the time, but because they left a legacy that inspired generations of politically active artists. One of the first stars of folk protest music emerged as part of the labor movement in the early 1900s. Before the movement took hold many workers were paid unfair …show more content…
Years later one of the most famous artists in the next generation of protest singers in the 1930s and ‘40s would write a song in Hill’s memory. Seeger wrote: “I dreamed I saw Joe Hill last night / Alive as you or me. / Says I, ‘But Joe, you're ten years dead.’ / ‘I never died,’ says he, / ‘I never died,’ says he.” Seeger sung. What Seeger meant was that Hill’s music inspired a generation and kept his ideas alive long after he was …show more content…
He was bestowed with the challenge of being “The Chosen One.” Dylan was constantly asked about the meaning of his work in this role. The constant prodding he endured by fans and the press caused him to snap. He had had it with the role of leader of the folk scene. At the 1965 Newport Folk Festival Dylan did the unthinkable for a folk signer: he played his set with electric instruments. Dylan was considered a trader to folk. The past two years he had played the festival and was considered to be one of folk music’s heroes and now he was seen as the enemy by many loyal followers. Pete Seeger said he wished he could cut the wires of Dylan’s amps with an axe. Though Dylan turned his back on the folk scene he would continue to write politically charged music and left behind an important chapter in the legacy that is folk

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Vietnam War Protest Songs

...Protest music helps people realize they aren’t alone. Many folk musicians wrote about their disapproval to America’s involvement during the Vietnam War. A highly influential folk musician was Bob Dylan. He wrote the song “The Times They Are A-Changin.” In this song, he says “there’s a battle outside, and it’s ragin’, it’ll soon shake your windows, rattle your walls.” One can argue that these lyrics were an obvious reference to the Vietnam War. “Edwin Starr’s Motown anthem “War” convinced many listeners of the complex horrors of the Vietnam War through an instantly-recognizable melody. The song, written in 1969, is perhaps the most direct anti-war protest song ever recorded” (Hopkins, 2012). Hopkins and many other musicians from the era made music to attract audiences against...

Words: 1268 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Music of the 1960s

...Music of the 1960s and its Effects on American Popular Culture by Jennifer Frondelli April 17th, 2013 Music of the 1960s Thesis: The music of the 1960s had a significant effect on the public opinions of the time on topics such as the Vietnam War and the subsequent draft, the civil rights movement, and the Cold War. I. Introduction a. Thesis Statement II. The Vietnam War and the draft a. Prominent Artists 1. Simon & Garfunkel 2. The Rolling Stones 3. Creedence Clearwater Revival b. Public Opinion 1. Anti-War 2. Anti-Draft 3. Protests III. The Civil Rights Movement a. Gospel 1. Martin Luther King Jr. 2. Church Gatherings 3. Protests b. African American Music 1. Jazz 2. Freedom Singers 3. Folk, Rock 'n' Roll, Blues, Soul c. Prominent Songs/Hymns 1. “We Shall Overcome” 2. “Oh Freedom” 3. “Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Us Around” IV. The Cold War a. Themes 1. Potential Nuclear Attack 2. American/Soviet Nationalism 3. Symbolism b. Prominent Artists 1. Bob Dylan 2. Simon & Garfunkel 3. Joan Baez c. Influence V. Conclusion a. Thesis Statement The 1960s was, historically, a significant decade in America. The country underwent many changes both politically and culturally. From the presidential assassinations, to the social revolutions by the younger generations, to the war raging across half way around the world, the 1960s were a time of both societal...

Words: 1664 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Bob Dylan Biography

...His song “A Change is Going to Come,” became a movement anthem when he wrote it in response to being arrested for attempting to stay in a “whites only” hotel (The Role Of Music). Cooke became a large part of the movement and became an idol to others who wanted to make a change in the Civil Rights movement. Bob Dylan was born Robert Allen Zimmerman on May 24, 1941 in Duluth, Minnesota (Bob Dylan Biography). At a young age, Dylan showed an interest in music and was influenced by old rock stars such as Elvis Presley. Bob wrote many folk hit songs throughout the beginning of his career, but the first album that determined his stance in the sixties protest movement was “The Times Are A-Changin’” (Bob Dylan...

Words: 1657 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Black Lives Matter: Police Brutality

...brutality aspect on black lives, but also to spread awareness of black love. “Black Lives Matter affirms the lives of Black queer and trans folks, disabled folks, Black-undocumented folks, folks with records, women and all black folks along the gender spectrum” (blacklivesmatter.com). Black Lives Matter believe in not only the equality of “normal” black people, but those of all sexual orientations, lifestyles, and etc. Some individuals, such as Elisabeth Hasselback claim that the group should...

Words: 1590 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

The Long Civil Rights Movement

...The Civil Rights Movement is popularly known to have started in the mid 1950’s—but I do agree with Jacquelyn Dowd Hall’s article “The Long Civil Rights Movement and the Political Uses of the Past” that the Civil Rights movement did not begin so late. Structurally, culturally, and ideologically the Civil Rights movement began decades before the nation became aware of it. The work of civil rights activists such as A Philip Randolph, beginning in the mid 1920’s, affected change in the structure of government by pushing for anti-discriminatory legislation for Black workers. Further affecting structural institutions was the effect that World War II had on Black Americans, who were disillusioned by the hypocrisy of the United States fighting for...

Words: 1455 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Jamaican Music

...Throughout history, music has been used by movements seeking social changes in the world. In various cases, protest songs are written in response to historical events or social activities by the person who has experienced. In other cases, these songs can be responsible for initiating a shift in a society’s beliefs and assumptions. Many musicians have raised awareness and championed causes to alleviate human suffering from social problems caused by famine, natural disasters, war, civil rights violations, environmental abuse and others. Some have achieved it through their music, some by using their fame as musicians and others using both. Bob Dylan Music has played an important role in African American history from the earlier days because the...

Words: 746 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

The Biography, Race Theory and Conflicts of W.E.B. Du Bois

...“The Biography, Race Theory and Conflict of W.E.B. Du Bois” Eric Anderson Paine College Abstract From the late 1890s through the 1940s, W. E. B. Du Bois was one of the leading black theorists and a major factor of equal rights for blacks in the United States. At a time when many black Americans sought to improve their status by adapting to the ideals of white society and tolerating discrimination and segregation, W.E.B. Du Bois was a constant proponent of unconditional equal and civil rights for all blacks. As a social scientist, he was also a pioneer in documenting historical and social truths about blacks in the United States . W.E.B. Du Bois introduce the idea of double consciousness, an ideology that defines African Americans seeking to reconcile two different cultures that create their modern identity. Although Du Bois spoke of double consciousness in early twentieth century, the problem continues to affect many African Americans today. This research will give analyze the biography, race theory and conflicts of W.E.B. Du Bois. W. E. B. Du Bois 1868–1963 “Social Scientist, Political Activist, Author, Editor, and Educator” From the late 1890s through the 1940s, W. E. B. Du Bois was one of the leading black theorists and a major factor of equal rights for blacks in the United States. At a time when many black Americans sought to improve their status by adapting to the ideals of white society and tolerating discrimination and segregation, W.E.B. Du Bois was a constant...

Words: 1402 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Cesar Chavez Nonviolent Resistance Summary

...convince the usually radical, religious magazine’s readers that the only beneficial solution is to resist nonviolently. He adopts an ardent tone in order to demonstrate his strong emotions towards his struggle for nonviolent resistance. Chavez entwined the appeal to his audience’s emotion in his article. He implied aristocratic business owners when he stated, “those who espouse violence exploit people.” This directly leads the audience to recall the struggles of the United Farm Workers in their nonviolent protests and marches against the often violent police. By forcing readers to draw upon such vivid emotions, they are guided to agree with Chavez’s call for nonviolence, since they do not want to suffer from the less effective, violent...

Words: 613 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Johhny Cash Report

... During the life and musical career of Johnny Cash, which covered five decades, he has witnessed the transformation of a country that went through several changes in society over the years. Johnny Cash wrote his music based on real life experiences about his upbringing on a farm in Arkansas to his musical endeavors and a country that was struggling with change. While a young man working the fields with his parents, brothers and sisters, Johnny began to experience music from his mother beating time on the old Sears-Roebuck guitar, singing 'What Would You Give In Exchange For Your Soul’. Music was one of the ways the Cash family found escape from some of the hardship. Songs surrounded the young Johnny Cash, be it his mother's folk and hymn ballads, or the working music people sang out in the fields. Johnny, who first picked up the guitar at the age of 12, showed a love for the music that enveloped his life. Cash only took a few singing lessons in his early teens and that were all he needed. In 1950 Cash graduated high school and joined the air force. He was discharged in 1954 and settled in Memphis, Tennessee to begin his music career. In 1955 Cash records his first record “Hey Porter” with a five dollar guitar at Sun Records. 1956 the release of “Folsom Prison Blues” and his first big hit “I Walk The Line”. Cash became a member of the “Million Dollar Quartet” that included Elvis, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis. During the 1950’s, the United States enters into...

Words: 1299 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Essay On Police Brutality

...African American communities’ have responded to it with movements and protest, and how they try to overcome...

Words: 1111 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Fisher Folk Movement

...The Fisherfolk Movement (in Filipino - Kilusang Mangingisda ng Pilipinas or KM) is a coalition of eight federation and alliances of small fisherfolk in the Philippines. It was founded in January 2002 in Cebu City, Philippines. The coalition's agenda is to: 1. stop Fish Trade Liberalization in the Philippines 2. strengthen policies that support sustainable fishery practices in the country 3. forge the broadest unity among the fisherfolk sector in the Philippines. From its beginning in Banilad, Cebu City, KM as the coalition is now known, has continuously campaigned for the interest of the small and marginalized fisherfolk of the country. It has championed the cause of the sector through its high profile campaigns through mobilization, propaganda and education. It has actively joined Laban ng Masa/ Fight of the Masses(a coalition of political parties and social movement in the Philippines) in its political struggle against what it considers to be the corrupt and inept Arroyo Regime in the Philippines. It sought the ouster of Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from the presidency and the establishment of a Transitional Revolutionary Government. KM's campaign to stop the liberalization of the fishing industry of the Philippines has culminated in the founding of the South East Asia Fisherfolk Movement or SEA-FM. The Asian small fisherfolk was formed in recognition of the need to consolidate its ranks in the region in order for them to protect their livelihood and fishing...

Words: 463 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Places

...the term singer-songwriter describes a distinct form of artistry, closely associated with the folk-acoustic tradition. Singer-songwriters often provide the sole accompaniment to an entire composition or song, typically using a guitar or piano; both the compositions and the arrangements are written primarily as solo vehicles, with the material angled toward topical issues—sometimes political, sometimes introspective, sensitive, romantic, and confessional. Contents  [hide]  * 1 History * 2 North America, United Kingdom, and Ireland * 3 Cantautori, the Italian tradition * 4 Latin traditions * 5 Soviet Union and Russia * 6 Bulgaria * 7 Romania * 8 Netherlands * 9 Norway * 10 Periodicals that include coverage of singer-songwriters * 11 See also * 12 References * 13 Further reading | ------------------------------------------------- [edit]History Théodore Botrel The concept of a singer-songwriter can actually be traced to ancient bardic culture, which has existed in various forms throughout the world.[citation needed] Poems would be performed as chant or song, sometimes accompanied by a harp or other similar instrument. After the invention of printing, songs would be written and performed by ballad sellers. Usually these would be versions of existing tunes and lyrics, which were constantly evolving. This developed into the singer-songwriting traditions of folk culture. Traveling performers existed throughout Europe. Thus, the folklorist Anatole Le Braz gives...

Words: 3740 - Pages: 15

Premium Essay

Mixtape Project

...feel for the era. “Cross Road Blues” is in the blues genre, more specifically the Delta blues style. The song gives life to the legend of Robert Johnson who supposedly met the Devil at a crossroads outside of town and sold his sole in return for the Devil to tune his guitar and give him the talent to become a great musician. The song represents the blues genre of the era from the spiritual and religious roots, however, rather than using the usual saxophone as the lead instrument in a jazz song, he played the acoustic guitar. Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” released in 1945. Woody Guthrie was the father of American folk music in a specific tradition. Guthrie wrote this song in 1940 but didn't record this song until 1944, and he changed the lyrics over the years, performing it many different ways.  This song is one of America’s most famous folk songs of all time, written in response to the song, “God Bless America,” which Guthrie...

Words: 2178 - Pages: 9

Free Essay

Music

...Social movements and political events influenced the culture through music. There were also several genres and artists that contributed to the influence of culture. During the 1960s, the music played a major role in shaping the culture. The music echoed the events and movements that were happening in society. Prior to 1963, the music reflected the sounds, styles and attitudes of the previous decade. Music of the 1960s magnified the rebellion and standing up to the emerging cultural changes. The music about protest relayed messages that everyone could and would to sing along to. Through the multiple events during the sixties the music and the American culture mood began to change. Current events in America also played a role in how music influenced American culture. The British Invasion, the Civil Rights Movement, and the escalation of the Vietnam War were major events that impacted the music. The British Invasion occurred when an explosion of British artists took the United States music scene by storm in the mid 1960s. Kenneth Olwig wrote an article titled, “The ‘British invasion’,” and summarizes, “The British Invaders that were listened to, were inspired by and faithfully played a great diversity of American Music, but a subtle change occurred in its context” (176). This shift led American musicians to the realization that their music had influences worldwide. Not only did the British Invasion play a role in the influence of music, but so did the Civil Rights Movement. ...

Words: 962 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Influence of Music

...society or if society is reflected through music towards social behavior. It can also be said that any one type of music can influence society. For instance, a society can become more modernized such as individuals expanding their methods of playing musical instruments. Or as technology becomes more advanced with the digital era, individuals can listen to music on MP3 players, Ipads, cell phones or radio’s anywhere and anytime becoming more convenient. In today’s society, people have the right to choose what they want to listen to. This includes wide variety of styles or to even focus on one genre, depending on the musical qualities that appeal to them. Media, such as radio, TV and movies can influence and change pop culture and these movements are arguably the best representations of how this era was and still influencing everyday life. Music has a way in affecting the change in society. During the 1930s and World War II, the biggest resource historians use to analyze that popular culture would be the radio. Radios finest years were during this decade due in...

Words: 858 - Pages: 4