The Powerful Connection between Music and the Civil Rights Movement
From the pulpits to the streets to the concert halls, music has served a vital role in the progression of racial equality. Singing started out as a way to pass time in the cotton fields. As racial hatred towards African Americans grew and became violent, music evolved into the battle call heard around the nation known as the Civil Rights Movement.
“Let Freedom Sing: How Music Inspired the Civil Rights Movement” guides viewers through one of the greatest stories of all time.
The Power of Words Put to Music
Co-created by Time Life, TV One and Brainstorm Media, this remarkable DVD narrates the power of words put to music. For centuries, music served as a vehicle of communication. Through soulful, rhythmic sounds, the message communicated the belief that all human beings deserved equal rights. Lyrical compositions became the African American outcry in the midst of social unrest and injustice. Let Freedom Sing provides a 94 minute look into the lives of those who fought against the social systems and authorities dedicated to limiting these rights.
Narrated by Louis Gossett Jr.
Emmy and Oscar-winning actor, Louis Gossett, Jr. narrates the story of those who lifted their voice in lyrical outrage against racial discrimination and unfairness. The documentary spotlights the connection between music and the fight for a better world.
Sit with Dr. Bernard Lafayette, Quincy Jones and many more as they verbalize their experiences in fascinating detail. Louis Gossett, Jr. walks viewers through the events that led to Sam Cooke’s recording of “A Change is Gonna Come.” Although Cooke did not live to witness the release of his song, the meaning lives in the hearts and memories of past, present and future generations. Watch as Otis Redding sings his adaption of “A Change is Gonna Come” through teary eyes.
Music Became the Foundation of the Civil Rights Movement
The audience gains a clear understanding of how music became the foundation of the Civil Rights Movement. Walk arm-in-arm with protestors as they cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. Original Freedom Riders, such as Hezekiah Watkins, Catherine Brooks and Paul Breines explain how music served as the medicine for inequality and provided hope for a better future. Learn how “Free at Last,” recorded by the Five Blind Boys of Alabama, became the cornerstone phrase for Martin Luther King’s push towards social freedom.
Singing through Racial Revolution - Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan
Paul Seeger movingly tells how the plight and music of the movement crossed international lines. Around the world, adults and children still sing the words to “We Shall Overcome.” Bob Dylan and Phil Ochs wrote and sang songs such as, “Blowin' in the Wind” and “Here’s to the State of Mississippi” to bring attention to the problems in the South.
Archived footage shows blacks and whites hand-in-hand, as they sung their way through the racial revolution. Performances by Nina Simone and Stokely Carmichael deliver heated songs and speeches that communicated frustration with the broken system. Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” became a national outcry. The factual DVD accounts the efforts of Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela as they fought for Civil Rights in South Africa.
Momentous Time in History with Music
This documentary illustrates a momentous time in history with music performances by Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley and other musical geniuses. Expressive lyrics by Mahalia Jackson, The Golden Gate Quartet and The Staple Sisters convey the need for change. Dr. Bernard Lafayette, Fred “Skippy” White and Isaac Hayes talk about music’s role during the emotional journey.
Directed by Jon Goodman and produced by Charles Hannah and Meyer Shwarzstein, This must-have DVD shows how peace warriors—black and white—battled to break racial and ethnic barriers. Viewers will feel the pride and appreciation of the Civil Rights Movement through the eyes of those who completed the voyage.
Buy “Let Freedom Sing” on DVD
When the Civil Rights Movement is remembered, music is always part of the memory. The extent that famous musicians – black and white – joined the struggle for racial equality in America is inspiringly told in this documentary.
No other documentary delves into the powerful connection
between music and the Civil Rights Movement like
"Let Freedom Sing."
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