Music has always been a resource for community building. It has always been a call for community action. I want to explore those elements through two interrelated types of music Gospel Music, Songs of Praise--(say Hi to Mahalia up in the top left corner--click on her if you've a mind to)-- And songs of Protest.
I plan to begin with a quick look at Slave Songs--jam packed with hidden messages. One could get away with singing "My home is over Jordan," but probably not with "My Home is over the Ohio,"
We'll spend some time with Joe and Anne, and others supporting organized labor, past and present.
The Workers on the S. P. line to strike sent out a call;
But Casey Jones, the engineer, he wouldn't strike at all;
His boiler it was leaking, and its drivers on the bum,
And his engine and its bearings, they were all out of plumb.
We all know Global Warming is a myth, right? But I still think we can spend some profitable time listening to the music of the dust bowl.
En route, We'll meet a Woody >>>>>
And an Arlo (look down...don't trip over him)
Maybe we'll meet him twice, who knows?
We'll run into some Weavers, some Lettermen,
Maybe even some Highwaymen (watch for your wallets)
We'll also meet a couple of Petes (one who hangs around with a gawjus blond named Mary), and one who is perhaps the greatest influence on American Folk Music of all time.
There's no holiday from racism: Billie will sing for us what has been called the first Civil Rights song, Strange fruit.
We'll also hear from the Staples Singers, Mavis Staples, Nina Simone, and of course, Sweet Honey in the Rock.
We'll watch the civil rights protest song metamorphose in to the Anti-War Protest Song. Joan and Judy will visit with us, so will Odetta as will Paul and Art. And a bunch more.
Then, on the second day of class...
Yes, there will be books. I've got a big pile of them on my desk at home...trying to decide which ones was the problem. But the emphasis is going to be on the music and the lyrics and the effect of them on the times.
We May let our hair down a bit. There's one Boss we'll definitely not kick out.. And if I can talk the class into it, the final project will be a Hootenanny. (Nobody will be required to bring a guitar or sing).
Some of this won't happen. Other things will happen. The class is a work in progress--one I've had it in mind to teach for a number of years. I guess I better get around to it, Huh?
Oh yes, we'll encounter a little satire. How much has changed since Tom Lehrer sang the song below?
