Soundtrack for a Revolution

Tyler Burrell
Jul 10, 2017 · 2 min read

Music and culture during the Civil Rights Movement

The movie “Soundtrack for a Revolution” details the struggles faced during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s-1960s. The move depicts many different people, including Congressman John Lewis, Lynda Lowery, Reverend Harold Middlebrook, Harry Belafonte, and Hank Thomas, among others. The individuals interviewed in the movie were all involved in various Civil Rights demonstrations or were otherwise involved in the movement, giving first-hand accounts of what they experienced and witnessed during that time. Student movement leaders, reverends, and sit-in protestors alike all shared their own stories of what it was like to live during the 1950s-1960s. The movie also depicts Martin Luther King, Jr. and his followers.

The music featured in the movie reminded me of gospel music. Protest songs were sung loud and proud, and I noticed that many of them had incorporated call-and-response singing with generous shouting and whooping. Sung strongly as a group, some of the songs had a choir-like sound. I found it interesting that I could hear such strong gospel roots in the music, and I really enjoyed the soulful, heartfelt style in which the songs were performed.

The movie focused on the South, particularly Alabama and Mississippi. While the movie did not mention specific venues in which the music was performed, I suspect this style of music was inescapable during the Civil Rights Movement. I imagine this music was performed in churches, at protests and sit-ins, and other gatherings. The movie made it clear that music was seen as a form of expression and inspiration during these difficult times, and I picture the music being performed at all kinds of demonstrations as a rallying call.

Over time, the music culture changed slightly as more white people joined the Civil Rights cause. Initially sung almost exclusively by black communities, the music welcomed white protesters as the movement evolved. This music was about evoking change, and these songs represented the dreams of Civil Right demonstrators. In the present day, we view this music as a homage to those times. It is treasured and preserved because of the role it played in the movement.

The frank recounting of the brutal, barbaric violence that permeated the Civil Rights Movement was what stood out to me most in this film. Hearing stories of the horrific, inhumane acts of violence done to protesters was very difficult and saddening. That most of these actions went unpunished was infuriating. It is difficult to imagine living during the 1950s-1960s, when people’s rights were determined by the color of their skin and barbaric acts of violence were commonplace. This environment led to music being one of the sole sources of expression for demonstrators, a rallying form of inspiration that brought communities together as one to fight for justice and equality.

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