The Soul of a Movement
- Jennifer Blair, MMT, MT-BC
- Jan 19
- 3 min read
Music has the capacity to enrich our lives in so many ways. It entertains us, helps us to relax, and helps pass the time. Music helps us celebrate and provides support during difficult times. Perhaps most important of all, music provides an outlet to express our deepest emotions and beliefs in ways that words alone cannot express. We can also see in history how music has the power to bring about global change. A tremendous example of this was during the civil rights movement in the 1950’s and 1960’s.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reported that freedom songs gave people courage, and a sense of unity, and they helped to keep faith and hope alive during difficult times. Music and singing also “played a critical role in inspiring, mobilizing, and giving voice to the civil rights movement” (Songs and the Civil Rights Movement, n.d.). Songs were sung to provide motivation, strength against harassment and brutality, and sometimes to simply pass time(Music in the Civil Rights Movement, n.d.). Freedom songs were written about empowerment, and the rejection of second-class citizenship and cruel treatment by the police (Timeline of African American Music, n.d.). King himself referred to songs as “the soul of the movement” (King, 1964)
The music that came out of the civil rights movement was as diverse as the supporters of the movement. “The musical repertoire reflected this diversity, consisting of original versions and new interpretations of spirituals, hymns, ballads, gospel, rhythm and blues, and soul music, as well as original creations” (Timeline of African American Music, n.d.). There were many musicians, both black and white, who used their music to speak out as part of the civil rights movement. Some of the black musicians include Harry Belafonte, Mahalia Jackson, Nina Simone, Ray Charles (to name a few!) and many white musicians, including folk singers Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Janis Ian, and Phil Ochs(Timeline of African American Music, n.d.).
One example of the influential songs in the movement “We Shall Overcome”, which became the unofficial anthem of the movement, and originated from a nineteenth century hymn called “I’ll Overcome Someday” and was adapted by Southern African American tobacco workers before the civil rights movement took hold (Ward, 2006). Over time, many additional verses were added such as “black and white together” and “We are not afraid”. It was a highly adaptable song that was very simple, yet its message promoted unity.
There is much we can learn from this historical example of the powerful role of music in our lives. Here are three lessons about music that we can take from this example:
Music is a powerful tool for emotional and self-expression. Sometimes emotions can become overwhelming and we need an outlet, or some way to express what we feel. We can’t always express our feelings effectively; however, music can provide an effective avenue for expressing those feelings and emotions. This can be accomplished through music creation or even active music listening to a recorded song that speaks to the heart of what you feel.
Music creates connection with other people. In the same way that music helped unify those involved in the civil rights movement, singing or playing familiar music with other people helps to build community with those around you. It’s hard not to smile when singing a favorite song with a group of people, large or small.
Music provides a voice. You may experience times in your life when you don’t have the words to express what you feel in your soul, or perhaps you don’t feel heard. Music can fill that gap and help to put a voice to what needs to be expressed. Through playing, singing or listening, music can speak when all other words fail.
References
King, M. L. (1964). Why We Can't Wait. New American Library.
Music in the Civil Rights Movement (n.d.). Library of Congress. Retrieved 1/15/2026.
Songs and the Civil Rights Movement (n.d.). Stanford University. Retrieved 1/15/2026.
Timeline of African American Music (n.d.) Carnegie Hall. Retrieved 1/15/2026
Ward, Brian (2006). The Civil Rights Movement. History Now. Summer(8). Retrieved
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