When music touches a deep chord
By Laavanyaa Joshi (B/614) Thursday, Feb 17, 2022
The American civil rights movement was a struggle against racial isolation and segregation in the United States during the mid-1950s. During times of victory and in prison, Civil Rights leaders and members used music to support their confidence and bind individuals together. They sang these tunes to propel them through the long walks and to assure themselves of a promising future. While some of these songs were originals, a portion of these tunes was taken from old songs. Many of these songs continue to inspire and motivate us to date.
Curtis Mayfield's People Get Ready was dedicated to the struggle, this tune encouraged the entirety of the people to fight together and went on to be utilized for numerous LGBTQ gatherings and causes. Oh, Freedom by Joan Baez has its profound roots in the African community. It was sung by oppressed Africans longing for the end to their servitude. We Shall Overcome by Pete Seeger turned into a vital hymn. It originated from the gospel melody, "I'll Overcome Someday "by Charles Tindley. The melody got associated with the movement in 1959 with the new version by Pete Seeger. This tune continues to assume a vital part in our lives. In India, writer Girija Kumar Mathur provided us with its Hindi translation, "Hum Honge Kaamyab’’and garnered fame during the 1970s and 80s. This unmistakable tune has also acquired a place in Indian popular culture by being utilized in the Bollywood film My Name is Khan portraying the struggles of a Muslim living in the post 9/11 world. On June 7, 2010, Waters delivered another rendition against the Israeli barricade of Gaza.
'A change is gonna come’, by Sam Cooke was inspired by his experience of Racism at an inn in Louisiana. His experience compelled him to compose this melody depicting the struggles of the African American community. In 2004, this tune was played by Patti LaBelle at the yearly Nobel Peace Prize Concert. On June 1, 2013, Beyoncé sang the melody during The Sound of Change in London for an association that advocates equality. In 2019 Céline Dion performed this as a piece of an accolade for “Aretha! a Grammy Celebration For The Queen of Soul”. In June 2020 a new adaption was recorded by Laurie Wright and Chris Faice with 100% of proceeds going to the Minnesota Freedom Fund.
It was visible that music served as the one binding factor amongst people. It memorialized the story, the struggle and gave courage to the people to cope with the environment.
- Laavanyaa Joshi (B/614) - SC
