Songs of the Civil Rights Movement
Actor Clarke Peters marks the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King's death: the songs of the civil rights movement. From 2018.
Actor Clarke Peters narrates this special edition to mark 50 years since the assassination of the Reverend Dr Martin Luther King on April 4th 1968.
"If in doubt, pray and sing" an activist recalls how music was used as part of Dr King's non-violent resistance movement.
The stories of the songs behind the Civil Rights Movement include the spirituals and freedom songs that were integral to the struggle. In the 19th century, music became a tool for protest and resistance among the enslaved peoples of the American South.
Hear the stories behind some of the most popular anthems and Freedom Songs that were later used as part of the civil resistance movement that eventually led to voting rights and desegregation.
From Swing Low Sweet Chariot and We Shall Overcome to Amazing Grace, Strange Fruit and A Change Is Gonna Come, witnesses to and participants in the Civil Rights Movement recall how songs were such a vital part of the story.
Producer: Maggie Ayre
First broadcast on 麻豆社 Radio 4 in April 2018.
Last on
More episodes
![]()
6 Music's Funk and Soul presenter picks his favourite songs of freedom.
Broadcasts
Wed 4 Apr 2018 09:00麻豆社 Radio 4- Wed 4 Apr 2018 21:30麻豆社 Radio 4
- Tue 6 Sep 2022 18:30麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra
- Wed 7 Sep 2022 00:30麻豆社 Radio 4 Extra
Why Sam Cooke's 'A Change Is Gonna Come' became a Civil Rights anthem
Watch the animation - Professor Mary King describes how the song became a symbol of hope.
Podcast
-
![]()
Soul Music
Series about pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact
