Sometimes a song or artist becomes inseparably intertwined with an historical moment. Join WETA as we examine some of these times When Music Makes History.
When Music Makes History is a local public television program presented by WETA
R&B star Sam Cooke transforms the pain of racism and segregation into a hopeful ballad. (1m 55s)
In 1968, Elvis closes his “Comeback Special” with a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1m 53s)
The Allman Brothers hit the road in 1975 to support Jimmy Carter’s presidential campaign. (1m 24s)
Spike Lee enlists Public Enemy to write a protest anthem for this film Do The Right Thing. (1m 16s)
In 1985, a Twisted Sister song helps spark controversy over song lyrics and censorship. (1m 28s)
In 1940, Woody Guthrie writes the lyrics to the timeless anthem This Land Is Your Land. (1m 34s)
Say It Loud (I'm Black and I'm Proud)
James Brown’s Say It Loud becomes an unofficial anthem of the Black Power movement. (1m 25s)
The Dixie Chicks offer a defiant response to a controversy that nearly ended their career. (1m 27s)
Bill Clinton uses Fleetwood Mac’s Don’t Stop as his 1992 presidential campaign theme song. (1m 12s)
Ray Charles performs America the Beautiful at the 1984 Republican National Convention. (1m 19s)
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When Music Makes History is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App, available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio.
When Music Makes History is a local public television program presented by WETA