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When Music Makes History

When Music Makes History

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

A Change is Gonna Come

R&B star Sam Cooke transforms the pain of racism and segregation into a hopeful ballad. (1m 55s)

If I Can Dream

In 1968, Elvis closes his “Comeback Special” with a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1m 53s)

Ramblin' Man

The Allman Brothers hit the road in 1975 to support Jimmy Carter’s presidential campaign. (1m 24s)

Fight the Power

Spike Lee enlists Public Enemy to write a protest anthem for this film Do The Right Thing. (1m 16s)

What's Going On

In 1971, Marvin Gaye releases the landmark protest anthem What’s Going On. (1m 25s)

We're Not Gonna Take It

In 1985, a Twisted Sister song helps spark controversy over song lyrics and censorship. (1m 28s)

This Land is Your Land

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)

Ohio

Neil Young pens the song Ohio in response to the horrific massacre at Kent State. (1m 21s)

Not Ready to Make Nice

The Dixie Chicks offer a defiant response to a controversy that nearly ended their career. (1m 27s)

Don't Stop

Bill Clinton uses Fleetwood Mac’s Don’t Stop as his 1992 presidential campaign theme song. (1m 12s)

America the Beautiful

Ray Charles performs America the Beautiful at the 1984 Republican National Convention. (1m 19s)

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