Richie Havens – Freedom (1969)
Frank “Freedom,” performed by Richie Havens at the Woodstock Festival in 1969, is one of the most memorable and iconic performances of the era. The song, which Havens improvised on stage,…
September 2024
Buffalo Springfield – For What It’s Worth (1966)
“For What It’s Worth,” released in 1966, is one of the most iconic protest songs of the 1960s. Written by Stephen Stills and performed by Buffalo Springfield, the song captures…
Edwin Starr – War (1970)
“War,” released in 1970 and performed by Edwin Starr, is one of the most powerful anti-war songs in music history. With its unforgettable refrain, “War, what is it good for?…
Bob Marley – Get Up, Stand Up (1973)
“Get Up, Stand Up,” released in 1973 as part of Bob Marley and the Wailers’ Burnin’ album, is one of the most iconic protest songs in reggae history. Co-written by…
Joan Baez – Joe Hill (1971)
“Joe Hill,” performed by Joan Baez in 1971, is a tribute to the American labor organizer and folk hero Joe Hill, who was executed in 1915. The song became a…
Joan Baez – We Shall Overcome (1963)
“We Shall Overcome,” performed by Joan Baez in 1963, became an anthem for the civil rights movement in the United States. Though not originally written by Baez, her powerful rendition…
Gil ScottHeron – The Revolution Will Not Be Televised (1971)
“The Revolution Will Not Be Televised,” released in 1971, is one of Gil Scott-Heron’s most influential and enduring works. With its sharp social commentary and spoken-word delivery over a jazzy…
Patti Smith – People Have the Power (1988)
“People Have the Power,” released in 1988 as part of Patti Smith’s album Dream of Life, is an anthemic call to action, urging people to recognize their collective strength and…
Nina Simone – Mississippi Goddam (1964)
“Mississippi Goddam,” released in 1964, is one of Nina Simone’s most powerful and politically charged songs. Written in response to the 1963 murder of civil rights activist Medgar Evers in…
Tracy Chapman – Talkin’ ’bout a Revolution (1988)
“Talkin’ ’bout a Revolution,” released in 1988 as the opening track of Tracy Chapman’s self-titled debut album, is a powerful anthem of social justice and change. With its folk-inspired sound…