Which Side Are You On?

20th Century American History in 100 Protest Songs

Nonfiction, Entertainment, Music, Theory & Criticism, History & Criticism, Reference, History, Americas, United States, 20th Century
Cover of the book Which Side Are You On? by James Sullivan, Oxford University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: James Sullivan ISBN: 9780190660321
Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication: December 3, 2018
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author: James Sullivan
ISBN: 9780190660321
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication: December 3, 2018
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

When he emerged from the nightclubs of Greenwich Village, Bob Dylan was often identified as a "protest" singer. As early as 1962, however, Dylan was already protesting the label: "I don't write no protest songs," he told his audience on the night he debuted "Blowin' in the Wind." "Protest" music is largely perceived as an unsubtle art form, a topical brand of songwriting that preaches to the converted. But popular music of all types has long given listeners food for thought. Fifty years before Vietnam, before the United States entered World War I, some of the most popular sheet music in the country featured anti-war tunes. The labor movement of the early decades of the century was fueled by its communal "songbook." The Civil Rights movement was soundtracked not just by the gorgeous melodies of "Strange Fruit" and "A Change Is Gonna Come," but hundreds of other gospel-tinged ballads and blues. In Which Side Are You On, author James Sullivan delivers a lively anecdotal history of the progressive movements that have shaped the growth of the United States, and the songs that have accompanied and defined them. Covering one hundred years of social conflict and progress across the twentieth century and into the early years of the twenty-first, this book reveals how protest songs have given voice to the needs and challenges of a nation and asked its citizens to take a stand--asking the question "Which side are you on?"

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

When he emerged from the nightclubs of Greenwich Village, Bob Dylan was often identified as a "protest" singer. As early as 1962, however, Dylan was already protesting the label: "I don't write no protest songs," he told his audience on the night he debuted "Blowin' in the Wind." "Protest" music is largely perceived as an unsubtle art form, a topical brand of songwriting that preaches to the converted. But popular music of all types has long given listeners food for thought. Fifty years before Vietnam, before the United States entered World War I, some of the most popular sheet music in the country featured anti-war tunes. The labor movement of the early decades of the century was fueled by its communal "songbook." The Civil Rights movement was soundtracked not just by the gorgeous melodies of "Strange Fruit" and "A Change Is Gonna Come," but hundreds of other gospel-tinged ballads and blues. In Which Side Are You On, author James Sullivan delivers a lively anecdotal history of the progressive movements that have shaped the growth of the United States, and the songs that have accompanied and defined them. Covering one hundred years of social conflict and progress across the twentieth century and into the early years of the twenty-first, this book reveals how protest songs have given voice to the needs and challenges of a nation and asked its citizens to take a stand--asking the question "Which side are you on?"

More books from Oxford University Press

Cover of the book Questions of Character by James Sullivan
Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of Ethics of War by James Sullivan
Cover of the book Great Expectations - With Audio Level 5 Oxford Bookworms Library by James Sullivan
Cover of the book "Daddy's Gone to War" by James Sullivan
Cover of the book The Oxford Companion to World Mythology by James Sullivan
Cover of the book Stories from the Five Towns - With Audio Level 2 Oxford Bookworms Library by James Sullivan
Cover of the book On ne naît pas femme : on le devient by James Sullivan
Cover of the book The Art of Conversation Through Serious Illness:Lessons for Caregivers by James Sullivan
Cover of the book On Hinduism by James Sullivan
Cover of the book The Complete Euripides:Volume V: Medea and Other Plays by James Sullivan
Cover of the book Faith with Benefits by James Sullivan
Cover of the book Science vs. Religion by James Sullivan
Cover of the book The Three Blessings by James Sullivan
Cover of the book Fixing Failed States by James Sullivan
Cover of the book Forensic Mental Health Assessment of Children and Adolescents by James Sullivan
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy