Music, the Forefront for Change
From the time I’ve spent in my rock and roll history class, one thing has become apparent to me. Music always seems to be leading the way for social change. From the early 1950’s music was generally sung about the same thing. During that first change I believe the charge was led by African Americans. They sang with style, and the energy they had during performance was stuff no one had ever seen before. Sadly because of the time period that this revolution started it was seen as a way for another group of individuals to make money. White American artist would literally sing the same songs and change some lyrics to make the song more vanilla and acceptable to the average American household which happen to be predominantly white. After some time, an artist by the name of Elvis came along and even though he did take some of these songs and made them his own. On his way to stardom, he was actively touring and speaking up for African Americans that toured with him he would refuse to perform if his band and backup singers were not allowed to perform with him. At this time this was unheard of and in my opinion this is one of the most pivotal moments in rock and roll history that would spark the reform for equality.
Check out what some artist had to say about him here
The next big change in American social norm, I believe really started in the late 1950’s. As teens developed their own opinions and no longer wanted to listen to their parents music. Here we see the growth of counter culture. Into the 1960’s these teens have now become adults and are educated. Having their opinions rooted in their minds and have seen enough of life to know how to stand up to oppression! This is the time of psychedelia, this is when song writing is at its most eye opening with bands such as the Beatles writing intrigue and complex lyrics that made listeners really think! Fast forward to today, even in the year I’m writing this, 2020. There are artist that still write psychedilc music! Music that gets you thinking about your place in this society or your place in the universe. Thats one great thing about this genre it really trickled down into almost every piece of music you listen to today. Think about a time you listen to a song that gave you goose bumps because you found a way to relate to it or it made you overthink what it may have been trying to say to you! Feel free to let me know what song did this for you in the comments.
I digress, the 60’s were a peak time for social justice and change in America. The people were tired of government, tired of control. This led to many, social movements. How is it all related to music? Well, I’ll attach some links to youtube at the bottom of this article and you can listen for yourself. Tell me what you think some of these songs meant to the people at that time. Some of the songs will be explicit. Music is something that can bring every one together old and young. Even artist today are from all different parts of the world and use their platform to bring stories of struggle and success. All of this I think stemmed from rock and roll, I believe that as the audience we are all entitled to our own opinion on what these songs mean to us. Where they take us and what we can learn from them. That is why I think music is always at the forefront for change.
Here’s some music I think inspired some social reform:
Fortunate Son — Creedence Clearwater
F*** tha Police — N.W.A.
Blowin in the Wind — Bob Dylan
Changes — Tupac
All Along the Watchtower — Jimi Hendrix
