Music has always been one of the most unifying forces of cultural expression, and this was never more true than in the 1960's. At the begininning of the decade, folk and gospel artists were never far behind political activists. Songwriters like Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, and Phil Ochs performed at marches and rallies, creating a soundtrack to the nation's changing discourse. Likewise, gospel singers, especially Mahalia Jackson, were instrumental in providing anthems that gave hope to millions of people fighting to change their situation.
When Martin Luther King lead the March on Washington in 1963 and gave his famous "I Have A Dream" speech on the steps of the Lincoln memorial, Mahalia Jackson was right next to him. Vowing early in her career to never perform secular music, Mahalia Jackson was the unrivaled Queen of Gospel. She broke barriers in her own professional life, becoming the first gospel artist to sing at Carnegie Hall, as well as performing at President Kennedy's inaugaration. At the March on Washington, she reached the 250,000 people in attendance with her rendition of "How I Got Over."
Eventually, as the Civil Rights Movement progressed and became more heated, the music associated with it expanded beyond folk and gospel. Soul music became a hugely important influence on popular culture, and gave a louder voice to the frustrations of the decade. For example, Nina Simone wrote and performed "Mississippi Goddam" in response to the terrible violence happening in Mississippi, specifically the murder of activist Medgar Evers, and the bombing of a church by members of the KKK, an act that killed four little girls.
Also worth mentioning is Sam Cooke, whose golden voice and ability to write popular and successful songs, led him to become one of the most influential musicians of the early 60's. He virtually pioneering popular Soul music, and also became one of the first musical entrepreneurs, starting his own record label and publishing company. Perhaps one of his most famous songs was co-opted by the Civil Rights Movement, and came to truely represent the struggles and hopes of the time. "A Change is Gonna Come" left a serious mark on music and has been covered by countless other performers from all corners, such as Aretha Franklin, The Band, The Fugees, Arcade Fire, Solomon Burke, and Tina Turner to name a few. It has also been sampled and remixed by everyone from Lil' Wayne to Pretty Lights. Otis Redding however, had one of the most moving and memorable versions of the song.
So as you go about your day today, dodging children whose schools are closed, and not going to the bank because they're closed too, remember why we have this holiday: because Dr. Martin Luther King worked tirelessly up until the day of his assassination to right the wrongs he saw in society and to undo the institutionalized injustices that had been in place in America for so long. His struggle, along with that of countless others, helped bring equality closer to millions of people. The Civil Rights Movement might not have been as far-reaching or impactful as it was without the boost and attention it recieved from music. Music has always provided a platform for expression, and will continue to be closely tied with social change for as long as people have stuff to say, and voices to say it with.
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