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
