Echoes of Protest: From Vietnam to Contemporary Movements

Judy Collins reminisces about iconic Vietnam War protests, highlighting the legacy of protest music and its evolution. While past anthems united generations, today's fragmented genres struggle to achieve the same cultural impact. Despite global examples, like Iran's Mehdi Yarrahi, mainstream protest hits remain scarce in today's U.S. music scene.

Renowned musician Judy Collins recalls performing at numerous Vietnam War protests, with particular emphasis on a memorable rally in Washington D.C. She describes the collective power of songs like Bob Dylan's "Masters of War" in uniting crowds towards a common cause.

The legacy of protest songs from the Vietnam era is vast, with artists such as Joan Baez and Pete Seeger contributing to a cultural movement aiming to bring troops home. Despite the decline in iconic anthems today, protest music still exists, addressing issues like police violence and climate change, albeit with less unifying impact.

Experts like Ronald Eyerman and Bill Werde discuss the challenges faced by modern protest music in achieving mainstream success. With genres and identities more decentralized, contemporary protest anthems find limited space within today's music industry. Nonetheless, global examples show that such music continues to play a crucial role in political activism.

(With inputs from agencies.)