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There is not a single social movement or revolution in history that doesn’t have music as a leading role. And that says quite a lot. Music is much more than the songs that play on the radio or the musicians that perform on big, fancy stages. It has been, and will always be, a tool for the oppressed to make themselves heard, to voice their opinions freely, equally and universally.

 

1) Gospel

 

Developed from early religious, Protestant music, Gospel is divided into two main sections: white (European American) and black (African American) Gospel music. While the European American section slightly leaned towards the country side, the African American section reached out to bigger crowds and got widely recognized. Their music branched out more, affecting jazz, blues and ragtime, eventually playing a big role in the Civil Rights Movement alongside soul and folk. Usually derived from work songs sung by slaves, Gospel music was a successful way to carry out traditions and pay respect to their religion while standing their ground and speaking out about political resonance and unequal rights.

 

You should listen to: Oh Freedom! by The Golden Gospel Singers

 

2) Folk

 

Folk is probably the oldest genre here on this list. Rooting back to the 19th century, folk has always been the genre of people. Originally the music of illiterate commoners, peasants and slaves, folk combines the customs, traditions and superstitions of the society and creates a genre that is transmitted from generation to generation. Even though it was still continued through time, the genre was a little less prominent before the sixties. That was when people started acting up, singing against capitalism and the Vietnam War, supporting the Civil Rights Movement. Folk has also made its way into other genres of music such as blues and jazz, which was expected since all of them carry the same devotion to their history and a general message of freedom and equality.

 

You should listen to: I Am A Rock by Simon & Garfunkel

 

3) Punk Rock

 

Freedom is a broad term. A broad term that carries the struggle for justice, equal rights and whatnot. What is sometimes overlooked, however, is that the music of freedom isn’t always derived from war, fights or resistance. Some genres, in this case punk rock, were born out of pure hatred towards authority. Instead of fighting for freedom, these bands use their freedom of speech to voice their opinions with such attitude and style that it’s quite captivating and influencing in its own distinctive way. Punk rock is associated with teen rebellion and anarchy, rooting back to 60’s garage bands that completely ignored the rules of music and unknowingly started a whole new era of it.

 

You should listen to: Poison Heart by Ramones

 

 

4) Nueva Canción

 

Originally from Chile, nueva canción is a genre born out of the populist political resistance in Latin America, inspired heavily by traditions and the culture. Nueva canción is generally about the struggle for freedom and justice, and also has close relations with folk music as their coming grounds are pretty similar with both of them relying on history and traditions for the songs’ themes. Usually containing political commentary and criticism, nueva canción changes the more classic vibes of South American music (since both use more or less the same instruments), and adds a rebellious, strong voice to it.

 

You should listen to: La Carta by Violeta Parra

 

5)  Blues

 

I couldn’t simply write an article on music genres that were born from the struggle for freedom without mentioning blues. Blues is intertwined with African-American history, invented by slaves and ex-slaves, carried throughout generations and centuries. What makes it blues, however, is the spirit and the strong connection with its roots, originating from work songs and hollers. Not only was it a way to keep the culture alive and avoid being assimilated, the music also played a big role in the Civil Rights Movement, spreading hope and ambition in the community. Aside from the history, blues is a way of self-expression and letting go of feelings. Blues is a genre for all. “It’s the mother of American music. That’s what it is – the source” (B. B. King)

 

You should listen to: Honey Bee by Muddy Waters

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Defne Ece Yavuz