From 1940 to 1970, gospel, jazz, blues, and soul music underscored the Civil Rights Movement. Artists, activists, and radio DJs came together to write, perform, and promote music that reflected—and shaped—the events of the time and the ongoing fight for freedom. Music became a political weapon and unifying force, delivering powerful messages of hope to the Black community and beyond.
The artists who lent their voices and talents to the movement are legendary: Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday, James Brown, Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye, John Coltrane, and Charles Mingus among others. Their music was showcased by radio personalities like Hal Jackson and Frankie Crocker of WBLS New York, Tall Paul White of Birmingham’s WENN, Magnificent Montague of KGFJ Los Angeles, and Chicago’s Al Benson at WVON. And stations including WERD and WAOK in Atlanta and WDIA in Memphis played key roles in expanding the audience for this national musical call to action.
Join civil rights and Black music historian Leon Burnette as he explores how the music that grew out of a seminal era became an indelible part of America’s social and cultural heritage.
Patron Information
- If you register multiple individuals, you will be asked to supply individual names and email addresses so they can receive a Zoom link email. Please note that if there is a change in program schedule or a cancellation, we will notify you via email, and it will be your responsibility to notify other registrants in your group.
- Unless otherwise noted, registration for streaming programs typically closes two hours prior to the start time on the date of the program.
- Once registered, patrons should receive an automatic email confirmation from CustomerService@SmithsonianAssociates.org.
- Separate Zoom link information will be emailed closer to the date of the program. If you do not receive your Zoom link information 24 hours prior to the start of the program, please email Customer Service for assistance.
- View Common FAQs about our Streaming Programs on Zoom.
