1960's: Freedom Songs

Today's blog may take a little longer than normal so make sure you have about 15-20 minutes to sit at the computer.

Freedom songs were a way of life during the Civil Rights Movement. The songs contained many meanings for all participants. Songs could embody sadness, happiness, joy, or determination among many other feelings. Freedom songs served as mechanism for unity among the black community during the movement. 

The songs also served as a means of communication among the participants when words just were not enough. The song “We Shall Overcome” quickly became the face of the movement. 

Music of the civil rights era was crucial to the productivity of the movement. Music communicated unspeakable feelings and the desire for radical change across the nation. Music strengthened the movement, adding variety to freedom progression strategies. Music was highly successful in that the songs were direct and repetitive, getting the message across clearly and efficiently. 

Melodies were simple with repeating choruses, which allowed easy involvement within both black and white communities furthering the spread of the songs message. There was often more singing than talking during protests and demonstrations, showing how powerful the songs really were. 

Participants felt a connectedness with one another and their movement through the songs. Freedom songs were often used politically to grab the attention of the nation to address the severity of segregation. 

Songs were often derived from the Christian background, usually from hymns. Hymns were slightly altered to incorporate wording reflective upon civil rights protests, and current situations as they were brought out of the churches and into the streets. 

Although most freedom songs derived from hymns, it was important to include songs from other genres. To accommodate those who were not as religious, rock and roll songs could be altered to become freedom songs, which allowed for a broader amount of activists to partake in the singing.

View this website and take the interactive journey. Be patient, turn on your sound, and listen to the narrative. 

Also, listen to either the story of the Leslie, Jones or Davenport family. You choose. 

Here is an optional 4 minute music video, The song is called Glory and the  scenes from Selma. As you watch and listen, think about how song is a powerful way to express emotions during this time in history. 

Lastly, Read this webpage and listen to all five songs to decide which song YOU think defined the times best.

Comment on the blog: 

Tell us which song and why do you feel like it gave words and feelings to the Civil Rights movement.