Music: The Voice of the People

By Jennifer Lancaster

Music is an essential part of society.

It reflects:• Culture

• Political movements

• Societal concerns

Music of the 60s

Music became more experimental, radical, and

outwardly political.

• Scott McKenzie’s “San Francisco (Wear Some Flowers in Your Hair)”

• Neil Young’s “Ohio”

• Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A- Changin’”

• Arlo Guthrie’s “Alice’s Restaurant”

• James Brown’s “Say it Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud”

• Country Joe and the Fish’s “I-Feel-Like- I’m-Fixin’-to-Die-Rag”

The change in music could be attributed to:

• The Civil Rights Movement• The Viet Nam War• The Feminist Movement• The drug culture• The Hippie Movement• Other cultural events

Is politically charged music extinct today?

I will examine to what extent music parallels the

contemporary historical events of the past 45 years.

I will study music and culture for each decade:

1960s

1970s

1980s

1990s

Today

A Flock of SeagullsThe cover of a Smashing Pumpkins

album

Finished Product:

Research paper and presentation describing

politics in popular music and where it stands today.

My presentation will consist of:

• An account of major political and historical events from the 1960s until today

• A description and comprisal of major music from each decade

• A final conclusion of the significance that politics holds on popular music today

Pictures:

http://www.woodstock69.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:SmashingPumpkins-Adore.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Flock_of_Seagulls

http://members.aol.com/bowtwanger/Hendrix.html

http://www.60smuseum.org/music2.htm

http://www.60smuseum.org/politic2.htm

Song: The Weight By The Band