Lyrical Protest: Black Music’s Struggle Against Discrimination

In this study Mary Ellison demonstrates the unique role of black music as an articulation of black aspirations and fears, and as a reaction to a whole range of social, economic and political realities. She reveals black music as a soundtrack for life in all its complexity. Through a close examination of lyrics, musical style and form in black music throughout history, Ellison brings to light a music varied in its intentions and impact, a catalyst for activism and a stimulus for changing attitudes. This volume begins by tracing all black music to its African roots. In subsequent chapters, the author illustrates how these roots are evident in the lyrics of black music written in the United States, the West Indies and West Africa. The book is organized around topical issues and explores such themes as black power, revolution, socialism, black feminism and world peace. Students and scholars of popular culture, black studies, sociology and political science will find Lyrical Protest a source of ideas.