Radio Facts: Classic and Powerful Black Songs about Civil Rights

0
33

Music is the Answer

This year has been an incredible challenge to not just the world but for Black people in particular and it’s troublesome to realize it’s only halfway through?

There was a time that the black church was the place that we could depend on during divisive, challenging, and trying times like these but since people need the CHURCH’s financial resources the mega-behemoths have vanished in the thin air a way down yonder in the distance leaving us with the sound of luxury vehicles driving away and our financial frustration coupled with the hollow echos of church crickets.

We are lacking leadership, there is no question and we have been for several decades but there is always one thing we can surely depend on, our music collection. Ah yeah, especially those of us who still have our vinyl. THAT is and has always been our collective gospel per se.

Black music has been the cornerstone of our culture since we were slaves in the states and we would entertain ourselves by singing while working in the cotton fields to make the day go by faster and to eliminate our stress. For the lack of a better word. I wanted to give you a list of great songs that aptly apply to what we are re-re-re-re-experiencing at this moment. Millennials and GenZrs especially pay close attention. These songs got your parents, grandparents, and great grandparents through some tough times.

The Revolution Will Not Be Televised – Gil Scott-Heron

Recorded
April 19, 1971
RCA Studios, New York City

Considered “The Godfather of Hip Hop” Gil Scott-Heron didn’t particularly like that reference. (Thanks to Gil’s son Rumal for sending me Gil’s book). The Revolution song was actually more of an underground smash. I can’t find a reference to it charting. It was banned by several radio stations because of its truth and the mention of crooked political leaders at the time. In addition, many black stations were independently owned stations and they were terrified of playing music like this because of the possible backlash from racists, racist advertisers and simply being able to operate in their markets without having their license renewals targeted. Black radio was making money back then so they had to walk on eggshells. Nonetheless, for Gil, the song was his biggest hit. Click NEXT above or below for the next song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGaoXAwl9kw