Music as Cultural Critique

I have been teaching a course with this title, and here is a list of musicians who have had an effect on the wider world.

Suggested Musicians to Study:

Folk Tradition:
Bob Dylan
Phil Ochs
Woody Guthrie
Pete Seeger
Ani DiFranco
Leon Rosselon

Soul:
Marvin Gaye
Curtis Mayfield
Aretha Franklin

Country:
Johnny Cash
Steve Earle

Rock:
Bruce Springsteen
Elvis Costello
Billy Bragg
The Clash
Rage Against the Machine
Patti Smith
Neil Young / CSNY
John Lennon / The Beatles

Reggae etic:
Bob Marley
The Specials

Hip Hop:
Public Enemy
NWA
Kendrick Lamar
Gil Scott-Heron
MIA

 

Some Topics Musicians have Addressed:

Civil rights

Working people

Anti-war

Feminism

LGBTQ rights

Religious tolerance