Soundtrack For A Revolution

SOUNDTRACK FOR A REVOLUTION is a fascinating chronicle of the protest songs that inspired American civil rights activists during the 1950s and 60s. Music was crucial in helping protesters as they faced down brutal aggression with non-violence; and the energy of the freedom songs, many of which evolved from slave chants and the black church, swept people up and encouraged them to carry on. In this documentary, riveting archival footage recorded live at mass meetings and protests is interspersed with interviews with civil rights foot soldiers and leaders, including Congressman John Lewis, Harry Belafonte, Julian Bond, and Ambassador Andrew Young. The film's harrowing material includes a 1960 Mississippi state propaganda film glorifying segregation while the television news records freedom marchers being savagely beaten and attacked by dogs. Also featured are vibrant new renditions of enduring civil rights anthems by current artists, including John Legend, Wyclef Jean, Joss Stone, and The Roots. The music is as powerful today as it was 50 years ago. –B.B.