The Historical Influence of Music on the Peace Movement
William & Elizabeth Charbonneau
The role of protest music across multiple generations reveals how music can influence and encourage attitudes about war and peace, and conversely, how the political climate of a given time period can actually influence the music of a generation.
William and Elizabeth introduce their project.
William singing and Elizabeth playing guitar. "Imagine" by John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Released in 1971. Suggests that we consider what the world might be like if borders between nations did not exist, if religion didn't divide us, if there were no nationalities and if people were not attached to material possessions. Perhaps then we could truly live in peace.
Elizabeth playing guitar, William singing, and Catherine dancing to For What It's Worth by Buffalo Springfield, an anti-war song that was inspired by the Sunset Strip curfew riots of November 1966.
John Aiden playing "Killing in the Name" by Rage Against the Machine. Released in 1992. A song of protest against institutional racism and police brutality. It was inspired by the beating of Rodney King and subsequent LA riots.
Elizabeth playing "Crazy Train" by Ozzy Osbourne. Released in 1980. Anti-conflict song about the Cold War and concerns of complete annihilation by nuclear bombs.
Elijah playing and singing "People Get Ready" by The Impressions. Released in 1965. Inspired by the 1963 Civil Rights March in Washington where Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his "I Have a Dream" speech. This song is about redemption, and a desire to rise above racism and live in peace without need for retaliation.