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Four Protest Songs That Changed America

Anna Harwell Celenza, professor - Johns Hopkins University

Reception 1 - 1:30 pm

Pete Seeger once said: “The right song at the right time can change history.” This talk takes that idea to heart and explores the intersections of politics, race, economics, and gender in four American songs: Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind” (1962), Nina Simone’s “Mississippi Goddam” (1964), Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On" (1971) and Helen Reddy’s “I am Woman” (1972). Using the roots of American folk music as a key to defining the power of these songs, Prof. Celenza reveals how popular music became synonymous with protest as the Civil Rights era merged with Vietnam. These were years when sharing the troubles of real people through song found a role in America’s expanding music industry. And as recent historical events have revealed, the messages of these songs continue to echo across American society. 

$15 fee for guests and subscribers (no fee for members)