SONGS ABOUT THE HUNGARIAN UPRISING OF 1956

The Hungarian uprising against Soviet domination lasted from October 23 to November 10, 1956.

Later, János Bródy composed Ha én rózsa volnék (If I was a rose), generally interpreted as referring to the uprising (as well as continuing resistance). See LyricsTranslate for several translations. Its best-known performer is Zsuzsa Koncz; in 1973, she recorded it on an album quickly pulled from shelves (YouTube) and there are various live recordings of her. And here is Márta Sebestyén with a traditional-style unaccompanied rendition.

After the suppression of the uprising, on January 6, 1957, Elvis Presley appeared on the Ed Sullivan show and asked for relief donations, dedicating Peace in the Valley to the people of Hungary. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paeOBN5e7iM

For the 60th anniversary, Desmond Child (of Bon Jovi) wrote Land of the Free, which made its debut in a choral performance on Hungarian radio -- see article with recording.