Protest Music Hall of Fame – The Ongoing History of Protest Music

Protest Music Hall of Fame: Bitter Tears: Ballads of The American Indian – Johnny Cash

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5upNIGkwwDw Labeled as the "Man in Black," Johnny Cash used his music to address the plight of marginalized communities, including Native Americans. An example of this is his 1964 concept…

CJ Baker June 13, 2025

Protest Music Hall of Fame

Protest Music Hall of Fame: Ghost of Tom Joad (Song) – Bruce Springsteen

"Ghost of Tom Joad," a hauntingly powerful song by Bruce Springsteen, originated from a rich tapestry of American literature and folk music, reflecting the struggles of the disenfranchised. Released in…

CJ Baker June 12, 2025

Protest Music Hall of Fame

Protest Music Hall of Fame: Aunt Molly Jackson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=db_E_Jqxroo Aunt Molly Jackson, born Mary Magdelene in 1880 in Clay County, Kentucky, is a pivotal figure in American folk music and protest movements. Known primarily for her powerful, emotive…

CJ Baker June 12, 2025

Protest Music Hall of Fame

Protest Music Hall of Fame: What’s Going On (Album) – Marvin Gaye

Publicity photo, photographer Jim Britt, Public Domain Released on May 21, 1971, Marvin Gaye's 11th studio album, What’s Going On, is one of the most important albums ever released. The…

CJ Baker May 21, 2025

Protest Music Hall of Fame

Protest Music Hall of Fame: Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison – Johnny Cash

In 1955, Johnny Cash released the single "Folsom Prison Blues," a tune that resonated with inmates, many of whom wrote him letters requesting that he perform at their prison. The…

CJ Baker May 13, 2025

Protest Music Hall of Fame

Protest Music Hall of Fame: Fight The Power – Public Enemy

Public Enemy's black empowerment anthem was composed for Spike Lee's classic "Cause I'm Black and I'm proudI'm ready and hyped plus I'm ampedMost of my heroes don't appear on no…

CJ Baker April 18, 2025

Protest Music Hall of Fame

Protest Music Hall of Fame: Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos – Public Enemy

"I got a letter from the government the other dayI opened and read it, it said they were suckersThey wanted me for their army or whateverPicture me givin' a damn,…

CJ Baker April 18, 2025

Protest Music Hall of Fame

Protest Music Hall of Fame: It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back – Public Enemy

When socially conscious rap group Public Enemy recorded their 1988 sophomore album It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back, Chuck D stated his desire to create the…

CJ Baker April 18, 2025

Protest Music Hall of Fame

Protest Music Hall of Fame: Public Enemy

When examining the history of political Hip-Hop it doesn't get much more influential than rap group Public Enemy. The group features hard-hitting lyrics from emcee Chuck D, comedic levity from…

CJ Baker April 18, 2025

Protest Music Hall of Fame

Protest Music Hall of Fame: The Revolution Will Not Be Televised – Gil Scott-Heron

Mural by New York City artist Chico. "You will not be able to stay home, brotherYou will not be able to plug in, turn on and drop outYou will not…

CJ Baker April 1, 2025