Today is the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. To celebrate this important anniversary, take a break and listen to, sing along, move to and be inspired to the music that was performed at that March and many others to come. A compilation of the video available of performances at the March is available on uTube.
Using the video mentioned above, as
well as searching on-line, I’ve come up with a list of songs that appear to
have been part of this event. Where possible, I’ve linked to videos of the
artists that performed 50 years ago.
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| Mahalia Jackson |
• Keep Your Eyes on the Prize Hold: Multiple
singers. Based on the classic hymn "Hold On" (a.k.a. "Gospel
Plow"), this song's exact origins are unknown. However, it was adapted for
the Civil Rights movement in the 1950s by an activist named Alice Wine.
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| Pete Seeger's Banjo |
The unofficial anthem of the Civil Rights movement was
actually a union song that dated back to the early 1900s. “We Shall Overcome”
This song has been attributed to Pete Seeger, but he tells a very interesting
story about the history of the song and how he came by it and what changes he
made to it. Listen to Pete’s version of the song and watch his interview about the song.a
Other Music
• The Mix: Songs Inspired by the Civil Rights Movement: More
than 150 songs for a special NPR Music Radio channel.
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| Sweet Honey in the Rock |
• Sweet Honey in the Rock: Organized by Bernice
Johnson Reagon, a member of the original Freedom singers, this African American women communal
song and singing ensemble has built an international following of music lovers
pulled to the strong harmony singer, a wide range of genres including
spirituals, lined hymns, children songs, blues, jazz, and original
compositions.
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