I'm watching PBS/WGBH American Experience "Soundtrack for a Revolution", part of a series of programs on American Experience related to the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Riders and the civil rights movement.

As the title suggests, the program highlights the role of songs, putting them in the context There's great footage from the time of people singing, as well as individual interviews. Pete Seeger is pictured; Guy and Candie Carawan are featured with recent interviews.

There are also performances by contemporary performers. I find these mostly overly polished, overproduced, and suffering from a pop "look at me emote" sensibility, in contrast to their original role as a means of pulling together a group or speaking of strength outside of oneself.

The program is not available online, although there is valuable information and a preview on the website linked above.

Definitely worth watching.

~ Becky in Long Beach