Munzher Rana
Mr. Peter Amies
The 1960’s
10/6/18
1960’s Essay: Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye
The 1960’s were a period full of social revolution as well as conflict between various demographics. One of the most prominent happenings of this time period were related to American Civil Rights and the treatment of black people in America. In a time period where Martin Luther King and Malcolm X made their presence known and a movement began to take flight, other figures began to make their voices heard as well. Music played a huge part in slavery and served as a source of inspiration, liberation and strength and this could be best seen through the song “Follow the Drinking Gourd”, which served as an anthem to direct slaves through the Underground Railroad in 1928. Two extremely significant artists, who served as influencers in the black community were Marvin Gaye and Sam Cooke, both of which were advocates for social change. Two significant songs, which served as anthems for the black community, were “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke and “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye, released in 1964 and 1971 respectively. Whilst, “What’s Going On” can be argued to have stronger roots in the quest to end the Vietnam War, it’s message can and has also …show more content…
Both of these songs were extremely prominent during their time and still carry significance in the modern day as well, with former President Barack Obama referencing Same Cooke’s song in his inauguration speech
Mr. Peter Amies
The 1960’s
10/6/18
1960’s Essay: Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye
The 1960’s were a period full of social revolution as well as conflict between various demographics. One of the most prominent happenings of this time period were related to American Civil Rights and the treatment of black people in America. In a time period where Martin Luther King and Malcolm X made their presence known and a movement began to take flight, other figures began to make their voices heard as well. Music played a huge part in slavery and served as a source of inspiration, liberation and strength and this could be best seen through the song “Follow the Drinking Gourd”, which served as an anthem to direct slaves through the Underground Railroad in 1928. Two extremely significant artists, who served as influencers in the black community were Marvin Gaye and Sam Cooke, both of which were advocates for social change. Two significant songs, which served as anthems for the black community, were “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke and “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye, released in 1964 and 1971 respectively. Whilst, “What’s Going On” can be argued to have stronger roots in the quest to end the Vietnam War, it’s message can and has also …show more content…
Both of these songs were extremely prominent during their time and still carry significance in the modern day as well, with former President Barack Obama referencing Same Cooke’s song in his inauguration speech