Soundtrack for a Revolution
This film was very inspiring and I was amazed by both the optimism and the passion that is clearly evident through the interviews and music exemplified in the video. This documentary portrays the African American perspective during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s in the South, specifically those involved with the integration movement. Many of the interviews depicted individuals with such high spirits, such as Lynda Lowery who says, “You can break my bones, but you cannot break my spirit.” Her tenacity and fierce dedication truly was inspiring. She among many others interviewed have similar convictions towards the movement.
The integration movement was mainly led by Martin Luther King Jr., the main non-violence activist during the Civil Rights Movement (Malcolm X was the violent extremist of this era, however he is not mentioned in this film). There are many interviews of protesters from various places such as larger marches as well as smaller venues such as small towns and churches as well as artists such as John Legand. All of these people are fighting for equality and were ready to fight for what they wanted and believed in; they were not afraid of getting hurt or dying for their cause. The music from this time showcases their determination beautifully. Harry Bellafont says, “The music coming out of the Civil Rights Movement was not created by us. It was throughout our entire stream of history [that it was created].”
The music of the Civil Rights Movement depicted in this film have the spiritual, hopeful feel of gospel music mixed with jazz and blues influences. Several songs were simple with only a strong lead voice and some clapping similar to old field tunes, which truly allowed for the lyrics to be bone shakingly powerful. Also, many of the songs illustrated the popularity of editing lyrics to popular music to suit the cause being protested, in this case Civil Rights and Equality. The songs were performed by soloists, choirs, and bands.
Much of the music from this time today is not sung in protest, rather it is sung in preservation of the memory of our history and remembrance of what it took to gain the rights that black people have today. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream and music has enabled his dream to keep living even after his death speaking out in favor of equality.
