AMST 430.02
Songs of Protest, Songs of Praise
Roger Williams University
GHH 208,
M, TH 2:00 -3:20
Spring Semester 2013
You may have noticed the name Roy Orbison in the lyrics of Thunder Road. Here's a video of him "Running Scared" Look closely, you may recognize someone we're studying (but in a way you've not seen him before.
Another Roy Orbison cut, from 1987. Springsteen as backup guitar. Watch this on YouTube, and make sure that you click on "see more". There's an incredible pile of talent on that stage.
Chapters 7, 8, and 9, will demonstrate why I chose to begin this course with a look at the music of Bruce Springsteen. Chapter 7 is about “practicing what one preaches”. Most music of the type we’re investigating in this class relates to the idea of social justice in one way or another. Here, you’ll see that Springsteen does “practice what he preaches,” and so do remarkable numbers of his fans. To prepare for the short time we have to discuss this chapter, please go to
where you’ll find a list of some of the charities Springsteen has supported. Click on the links, and read a bit about them. One of them was founded by perhaps the most famous folk/protest singer of the last half of the 20th century. You’ll have to find out which one for yourself. Which, if any would get your support and why? Clog it. There is also a list of prior articles on Springsteen which is worth taking a look at.