Voices of Hope
It's Been Said All Along: Voices of Hope
Hear about the exhibitIt's Been Said All Along: Voices of Hope
Primarily concerned with ending institutionalized racism, the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s was significant in the fight for a democratic society, and music of hope accompanied the struggle.
In 1961, groups of civil rights activists called Freedom Riders rode interstate buses into the South to challenge segregation. They were harassed, beaten and arrested.
One group of Nashville students rode to Birmingham, Alabama, where they were arrested by Public Safety Director Bull Connor. The jailed students kept up their spirits by singing songs such as “Michael, Row Your Boat Ashore,” “We Shall Not Be Moved,” and the Civil Rights anthem “We Shall Overcome.” Connor escorted them back to the Tennessee border saying, “I just couldn’t stand their singing!”
Today, marches still send messages of protest and hope worldwide. The music surging through these movements communicate visions of hope for a just society.
This image of Holiday was shot by Bob Douglas, who worked for the United States Postal Service for 40 years. He always wanted to be a photographer and would take images throughout LA clubs.
Worn in the promotional video for “Is This Love,” reggae icon Inductee Bob Marley popularized the genre while shining a light on injustice in his homeland of Jamaica and globally.
Listen to Dr. Daniel Walker discuss Inductee Aretha Franklin and messages of Hope in songs.
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Dr. Daniel Walker on Songs of Hope
Hear the InterviewDr. Daniel Walker on Songs of Hope
Take a Trip to the Museum
The Rastafari movement’s most famous ambassador, Inductee Bob Marley, is honored in this performance of “Redemption Song” at the 1994 Induction Ceremony. Watch and listen to experience this message of hope.
"Redemption Song"
The I Threes perform Bob Marley & The Wailers' "Redemption Song" at the 1994 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.-
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"Redemption Song"00:04:01 -
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"Think"00:03:58
The Staple Singers delivered music with a message, advocating for social activism and positive change.
A PowerPoint presentation on Rock Hall EDU contains the information you need to introduce your students to the Staple Singers: basic biographical facts, a map highlighting some of their most important concerts, a chart of their Top 40 Billboard R&B hits, lyric excerpts from their "message" and protest songs, and a feature slide on Mavis Staples.
Explore the Hall of Fame Inductees that used their music as a platform for messages to create change and promote equality.
