Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

Arts & Culture

AMERICAN EXPERIENCE: Soundtrack For A Revolution

Anthony Hamilton (center) and Blind Boys of Alabama as featured in "Soundtrack For A Revolution."
Courtesy of Stephen Kazmierski
Anthony Hamilton (center) and Blind Boys of Alabama as featured in "Soundtrack For A Revolution."

Airs Monday, May 9, 2011 at 9:30 p.m. on KPBS TV

Lyrics of the Freedom Songs

These songs and chants of freedom, sung by protesters, activists, and civil rights leaders during the 1950s and 1960s, have now been taken up a new in "Soundtrack" by such contemporary performers as Joss Stone, John Legend, Anthony Hamilton, Wyclef Jean, The Roots, Richie Havens, and others. Read the lyrics of the songs that inspired the civil rights movement.

"Soundtrack For A Revolution" tells the story of the American civil rights movement through its powerful music — the freedom songs protesters sang on picket lines, in mass meetings, in paddy wagons, and in jail cells as they fought for justice and equality.

The music enabled African Americans to sing words they could not say, and it was crucial in helping protesters as they faced down brutal aggression with dignity and non-violence. The infectious energy of the songs swept people up and empowered them to fight for their rights.

The film was directed by Bill Guttentag and Dan Sturman ("Nanking"), and executive produced by Danny Glover.

Advertisement

"Soundtrack For A Revolution" is a vibrant blend of heart-wrenching interviews with civil rights foot soldiers and leaders, including Congressman John Lewis, Harry Belafonte, Julian Bond and Andrew Young, dramatic images, and thrilling contemporary performances by top artists, including John Legend, Joss Stone, Wyclef Jean, and The Roots — a film of significance, energy and power.

Watch the full episode. See more American Experience.

"Soundtrack For A Revolution" tells the story of the American civil rights movement through its powerful music — the freedom songs protesters sang on picket lines, in mass meetings, in paddy wagons, and in jail cells as they fought for justice and equality. This documentary is a blend of heart-wrenching interviews, dramatic images and contemporary performances by top artists, including John Legend, Joss Stone, Wyclef Jean and The Roots.