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The Influence Of Music in the Civil Rights Movement

Page history last edited by Luke Westfall 15 years, 9 months ago

By Luke Westfall and Anthony Colonna

 

Introduction


     Throughout the American Civil Rights movement during the mid-20th century, music was used to spread messages of peace, love, and equality. Jazz, "rock and roll," and blues were among the more popular genres of the era, however less popular styles such as reggae and "soul" (gospel) were also involved in the struggle for civil rights. Through their music, African-American artists such as Little Richard, Bo Diddely, Aretha Franklin, and Bob Marley tried to present a positive and uplifting tone to a country filled with hatred for other races. Blacks also wanted to raise self-confidence of those afflicted: "The critical American dilemma is reflected in Negroes...in terms of deep doubts concerning the worth of self..." (Clark 161).

 

Jazz and Blues


     The style of "Jazz" and its product the "Blues" were integral in the role of music during the Civil Rights Movement. Since many of the artists within these genres were African-American, it wasn't particularly as popular among Southern white's. It did, however, bring awareness to the plight of blacks during the time period.

     Marshall Bowden gives an example: "...'Strange Fruit' played a catalytic role in 'rejuvenating the tradition of protest and resistance in African-American and American traditions of popular music and culture...'" (Bowden). "Strange Fruit," a song by Billy Holiday, is said to be about the lynching and other acts of violence toward minorities during the Civil Rights Movement.

     Bowden goes on to say, "...The very creation of jazz and blues music in America was a process of protest and resistance, and much of the subsequent history of these musical genres has been about reclaiming that process from the hands of those who would subvert their meaning..." (Bowden). This statement basically sums up the purpose of jazz and blues of the mid-20th century: These genres, being built on the struggle of blacks and other groups, were created on the intention of informing people across the nation to the hate and violence being taken out on minorities.

 

Soul and Gospel


     Not only was jazz and the blues influencing the Civil Rights Movement, but also soul and gospel. Stemming from music sang by slaves in antebellum Southern America, soul and gospel music used religious lyrics to help the nonviolent protest. Like jazz and the blues, soul and gospel was performed mostly by blacks, making it unpopular among many whites.

     One of the most famous black soul singers of the time was Aretha Franklin. "...In these early years Franklin was viewed as a potent symbol of black advancement. She often lent her talents to the civil rights cause, and performed publicly in support of Martin Luther King, Jr., a family friend..." (PBS.org). Aretha Franklin tried to spread the Civil Rights cause through her lyrics, and she sang at Dr. King's funeral. This shows her determination for the efforts of the black struggle.

 

Rastafarianism and Reggae


     An often overlooked part of the Civil Rights music scene was the genre of reggae and its accompanying religion of Rastafari. Although this type of music wasn't as effective as other genres, it helped bring the concept of nonviolent protest to islanders living in America.

     Bob Davis illustrates this fact: "...we were told by Bob Marley to 'Get up Stand Up, Stand Up for Your Rights'. At no time before the Civil Rights era and the 70's and sadly enough at no time after have we come together on one accord as a people, as a community, and really as 'one'..." (Davis). Bob Marley was the most prominant reggae artist of the time. From his lyrics, we know that he wanted to bring everyone together as one. This important for the Civil Rights movement because his songs emphasized love for others, despite their skin color or religion.

 

Conclusion


     Music written by blacks during the Civil Rights Movement was a substantial factor in the motivation of minority groups in the America. Even through unpopular music of the era, those who were discriminated against were given the determination to fight for equality and rights as outlined by the Constitution. These lyrics also instilled a feeling of love and fraternity among people. It is evident that music written by African-Americans during this time period was critical to the fight for justice and fairness.

 

Works Cited


Bowden, Marshall. "Strange Fruit, Jazz, and Civil Rights." 2001. Jazzitude. Accessed June 9 2008.<http://www.jazzitude.com/strange_fruit.htm>.

 

Clark, Kenneth. "Black Power is Ineffective." Reprinted in The Civil Rights Movement. Greenhaven Press. 2005.

 

Davis, Bob. "Soul/Funk & Civil Rights." Soul-Patrol. Accessed June 11 2008. <http://www.soul-patrol.com/funk/civil.htm>

 

PBS.org. "American Masters, Aretha Franklin." PBS.org - American Masters. Accessed June 11 2008. <http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/database/franklin_a.html>

 

 

 

Comments (1)

Peter H. Bond said

at 12:15 pm on Jun 16, 2008

Well done. It would be good to see a more specific explanation of the influence of these music types on the Civil Rights Movement - or vice-versa! Also, the requirement is at least 4 sources - with at least 2 of those being non-electronic...

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