Hi Ari, after reading the comments, there are so many amazing songs. I realized alot of these songs are songs of our youth , and the memories that we experienced when we listened to these songs. Thanks again Ari for a musical walk down memory lane.🎼🎹🎤🙏
He did ask about the *first* song that made us think differently about the world. As an attorney, I'm guessing Ari already figured he'd elicit "memory lane" responses. 😆
Hi Sandra!!!😀 Yes I know we sometimes go in a different direction from what
Ari is asking. But our memories are so strong and we go down that "lane". It's like what Harvey Fierstein said in his interview with Ari, antique dealers sell people their childhood, and that's what a song will do to us. They sell us a wonderful memory.😊 Have a good week!!!🙏🌼💐🌸
What a great point, V!!! And, Fierstein is genius. Who doesn't look back with fondness at the carefree days of childhood sometimes (assuming it was a good one)? It's amazing how some memories along the "lane" stay with us forever. ❤️🥰
The war in Vietnam was the soundtrack of my junior high/high school years so there are many that come to mind - like Freda Payne "Bring the Boys Home" or Marvin Gaye "What's Going On" or Country Joe & the Fish, “Feel Like I’m Fixin’ to Die” or classics like "Blowin' In the Wind".
Oh Fredi...looks like we'll have to date ourselves for this one. Your choices are spot on. Our generation was dealing with protests on two fronts, Home and Vietnam. Growin up in Motown things were REALLY bad. Good choices and there were so many more.
Question to you, Ari and everyone: is Redemption Song by Bob Marley a protest song? I like this song but I am not sure if it is a protest song🤷🏽♀️ Thanks😃
Vietnam protest songs will always be my favorite genre because that's what I lived through. "Blowin' in the Wind" is the first one I remember. It's gentle, yet powerful and provocative. But, CCR's "Fortunate Son" hit the nail on the head, I think. And, Barry McGuire's "Eve of Destruction" rounds out my top three.
The Message, GRAND Master Flash, George Harrison, Beware of Darkness, "Within you and without you" from SGT> Peppers; The lyrics are very influential for those seeking deeper ideas about why we are here, materialism and what it is. I find the lyrics from Imagine by John and Yoko,as well as the anti guns stance of Yoko,to be protest , They Paved Paradise J Mitchell..Stevie Wonder Living for the city, Marvin Gaye, (already mentioned) Hello from Vancouver BC I have always thought this section of your show should be called "THE ARI - with BEAT Melber" Happy Spring DK BC potter
Thanks , I was more interested in the lyrics there, but thanks for the correction. Big Yellow Taxi, back in 1972, had defined her career, and she came into a gallery at Stanley Park entrance (now gone) where I worked. I gave her 1 of my small ceramic bud vases and asked if a "big yellow taxi "was coming to take her to the ferry to get her to Sea Schelt, She chuckled as she went out and said yes she was waiting for a cab..
As a kid, I remember hearing Traffic's Freedom Rider and loving the sound of it. I wasn't sure then, and I'm still not so sure now, what the lyrics really mean and if they intended to be political. But it sent me on a quest at a very young age to find out about the freedom riders. That's when I first learned of the horrific racial laws in our South. It is included on a few of my playlists.
Speaking of play lists, I must go slightly off topic. Last night I had the great privilege to be at Ari's talk with Clive Davis in NYC. Oh what a treat. And we got to hear Mr. Davis talk more about the great poet Gil Scott Heron, a topic you've delved in to here. I loved how with each provocative question you asked (even in the lightning round!), he managed to take us on a lovey winding journey to somewhere. I was looking through some of my play lists today and thinking what would the soundtracks to our lives look like without Clive Davis? Bravo Ari!
I tuned in via online. I truly enjoyed the conversation. Clive Davis’ career is incredible…I hope to come to NYC in person for future 92Y conversation with Ari events😃
Great article, there are so many great protest songs out there it give me something to think about🙏😊. I can tell you straight off when a country and it people lose their values and respect for each other, you die a little everyday. l think of Marvin Gaye, What's Going on! As the first one that comes into my head. More to follow as times goes on👍😊
We state, passively, "Nothing is being done (by "THEM")." Or, pointing the finger, declare "THEY should/shouldn't/need to..."
Said in comments here, there, & everywhere that we post our thoughts, opinions, & wishes, is that we want "it," whatever "it" may be, to become better, to be changed, or fixed. And we put the responsibility upon the royal "THEY/THEM" to do it. We complain, anguish, get frustrated & irritated when "THEY" don't come through for us, which is a lot.
While ~half of us in America are opining about the attacks on our democracy & the inadequate response by the Atty Genl & members of the Congress on its behalf, "WE," in coordination as "the voters," are not coalescing & taking up the reigns to drive "THEM" to do what "THEY" ought to have done & be doing. For the most part, & with great concern, we express ourselves among ourselves.
It appears to have come down to an unfortunate fact that we can't expect "IT" to be done unless WE, too, take ACTIVE responsibility, which on the whole, the majority "we" aren't accustomed to doing. You know, like, for e.g., the BLM & Me Too movements, where natural leader-type members of their cities or communities organized people caring about the issue(s) into a group of people who got up off the sofa & visible out on the street, out in communities growing support by talking to people, & setting up community forums with the representatives they elected for that very purpose of acting on our behalf in Washington.
Agree with you Kelly, but it’s preaching to the choir for this old gal: Recruited Speakers for Democratic Club Meetings; Attended/Attend Fundraisers; Participated in GOTV; Traveled the City, College Campuses, and Naturalization Ceremonies for Voter Registrations, Campaign Marches, State and Local Conventions (Can’t keep up with Pelosi, she moves so fast). Write every President, Governor, Sec’y of State and congressional leaders about whatever issue. At 75, I made it known to club members, donations only. These feet are tired!😂 So, for me, it is “THEY” and “THEM.”❤️ Of course, an email from me will be on its way to some authority figure, as they’re wheeling my body to wherever.
Hi Diva.!!! 😀You have worked so hard for our political party..👏👏👏 Good job, young lady. I've tried making calls to some of our Representatives and Senators, the Demoracts are always very courteous. Now the Republican lawmakers are a different story. I'm not going to stop, but it is frustrating. Keep it going my friend, we all will get through this together!!!🙏
As they say, “For the People.” V, I had an experience last night that just broke my heart. A friend lost a grandson, who was into filmmaking. A theatre organization in L.A., honored him last night. En route there, we were brought through Skid Row. It was something horrible for the psyche and I cannot ever un-see it. WHY?!! A country with so much wealth, supports blocks and blocks of sorrow. That’s right, SUPPORTED! So, yes, I shall keep it going. I have a lot of writing to do this week. Somebody needs to answer me! US! This Nation!
Oh Diva, my deepest condolences to your friend and her family.🙏
It's heartbreaking situations like this that we hold our loved ones a little tighter. I remember when my daughter was about 5 yeas old,and we passed by a homeless camp under a freeway underpass That was a difficult conversation to have with a child. I totally understand how you feel. 😳 We keep repeating ourselves, "This should not be happening in the United States Of America.." 💗
Hi, Lady Vi. Yesterday and today brought about events that’s hard to not hear (President Obama on Misinformation/Stanford Speech and McCarthy’s audio exposure). Now, we know with whom we’re dealing, that they can spin The Ten Commandments. We’ll see how things shake out over the weekend. By the Sunday Morning shows, Kevin McCarthy might list my name, as the person who altered his statements and leaked the recordings.
I know; there is nobody like him. Oh, we have many others, but some are shy to this political environment. As President Obama referenced, we have got to pull the country back.
Yes it is, each day you see a little bit of your humanity disappear, lt makes me very sad, there are good people out there, l hope it stops, if not your democracy will disappear 😥 we have to fight as hard as we can, not to let that happen🙏
Just to bring in a “younger voice” I’ll go with Lil Baby and “The Bigger Picture.” He’s very sensitive, insightful. Enjoyed this newsletter and look forward to more.
I grew up with an older brother who lived and breathed folk music. So, the classics like “We Shall Overcome” sung by Pete Seeger and Joan Baez and Dylan’s “The Times They Are a-Changing” were my first exposures to protest anthems. The songs still hold up today. I will always appreciate and love my brother for expanding and enlightening my love of music.
Movies, songs, videos.🎹🎼🎤 No matter how long ago we were introduced to so many of these wonderful stories, they seem to resonate with what the world is experiencing right now. It's so hard to pinpoint just one, For What It's Worth by Buffalo Springfield is one of my top songs. Others are Blowin in the Wind by Peter Paul & Mary, The Sounds Of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel and the iconic What's Going On by Marvin Gaye. Thanks Ari!!! 🙏🎵💗👍
Great article Ari. First songs as a child that made me think about politics, questioning authority and struggles, etc. (other than the Irish revolutionary songs that I was raised with) would be Bob Dylan's early work, Blowing in the Wind of course) Every song on The Revolution Begins: Gil Scott-Heron.
Been reading some of the initial comments -- interesting stuff! And subscribe above if you haven't...
Hi Ari, after reading the comments, there are so many amazing songs. I realized alot of these songs are songs of our youth , and the memories that we experienced when we listened to these songs. Thanks again Ari for a musical walk down memory lane.🎼🎹🎤🙏
He did ask about the *first* song that made us think differently about the world. As an attorney, I'm guessing Ari already figured he'd elicit "memory lane" responses. 😆
Hi Sandra!!!😀 Yes I know we sometimes go in a different direction from what
Ari is asking. But our memories are so strong and we go down that "lane". It's like what Harvey Fierstein said in his interview with Ari, antique dealers sell people their childhood, and that's what a song will do to us. They sell us a wonderful memory.😊 Have a good week!!!🙏🌼💐🌸
What a great point, V!!! And, Fierstein is genius. Who doesn't look back with fondness at the carefree days of childhood sometimes (assuming it was a good one)? It's amazing how some memories along the "lane" stay with us forever. ❤️🥰
I'm a bit sentimental.😳💗😘
I think you're right!
The war in Vietnam was the soundtrack of my junior high/high school years so there are many that come to mind - like Freda Payne "Bring the Boys Home" or Marvin Gaye "What's Going On" or Country Joe & the Fish, “Feel Like I’m Fixin’ to Die” or classics like "Blowin' In the Wind".
Oh Fredi...looks like we'll have to date ourselves for this one. Your choices are spot on. Our generation was dealing with protests on two fronts, Home and Vietnam. Growin up in Motown things were REALLY bad. Good choices and there were so many more.
Fred, back then, little did we know how badly we needed to “Bring the Boys Home.” Liked the song, too.
Country Joe, aka Joe McDonald is still living in Berkeley, last I checked. He’d be a great interview if you can get him.
“Be the first one on your block to have your boy come home in a box”
Heard it once and it stayed in my jead forever.
Question to you, Ari and everyone: is Redemption Song by Bob Marley a protest song? I like this song but I am not sure if it is a protest song🤷🏽♀️ Thanks😃
I love that one... I don't think the label/taxonomy's gotta be limiting here : )
Hello Sandra O, 😊
Might I say, that's within the top 3 of my favorite Bob Marley songs. Moves me, soothes me everytime. ❤️
Move me , Soothe me!!! Love it!!!💗😊
Hi my namesake😃
Yes indeed 🙌🏽 Redemption Song is so melodic and the lyrics are very inspiring😃
"Won't you help to sing these songs of freedom", I'd say yes and a very good one too! 😊
Vietnam protest songs will always be my favorite genre because that's what I lived through. "Blowin' in the Wind" is the first one I remember. It's gentle, yet powerful and provocative. But, CCR's "Fortunate Son" hit the nail on the head, I think. And, Barry McGuire's "Eve of Destruction" rounds out my top three.
The Message, GRAND Master Flash, George Harrison, Beware of Darkness, "Within you and without you" from SGT> Peppers; The lyrics are very influential for those seeking deeper ideas about why we are here, materialism and what it is. I find the lyrics from Imagine by John and Yoko,as well as the anti guns stance of Yoko,to be protest , They Paved Paradise J Mitchell..Stevie Wonder Living for the city, Marvin Gaye, (already mentioned) Hello from Vancouver BC I have always thought this section of your show should be called "THE ARI - with BEAT Melber" Happy Spring DK BC potter
"Big Yellow Taxi" by Joni Mitchell (Not Paved Paradise which is just a line in the song, not the title.)
Thanks , I was more interested in the lyrics there, but thanks for the correction. Big Yellow Taxi, back in 1972, had defined her career, and she came into a gallery at Stanley Park entrance (now gone) where I worked. I gave her 1 of my small ceramic bud vases and asked if a "big yellow taxi "was coming to take her to the ferry to get her to Sea Schelt, She chuckled as she went out and said yes she was waiting for a cab..
"What's Going On;" covers it all for me personally. Its a timeless song with a clear message.
As a kid, I remember hearing Traffic's Freedom Rider and loving the sound of it. I wasn't sure then, and I'm still not so sure now, what the lyrics really mean and if they intended to be political. But it sent me on a quest at a very young age to find out about the freedom riders. That's when I first learned of the horrific racial laws in our South. It is included on a few of my playlists.
Speaking of play lists, I must go slightly off topic. Last night I had the great privilege to be at Ari's talk with Clive Davis in NYC. Oh what a treat. And we got to hear Mr. Davis talk more about the great poet Gil Scott Heron, a topic you've delved in to here. I loved how with each provocative question you asked (even in the lightning round!), he managed to take us on a lovey winding journey to somewhere. I was looking through some of my play lists today and thinking what would the soundtracks to our lives look like without Clive Davis? Bravo Ari!
Hello Joanie,
Last night's event with Clive Davis was quite a treat indeed! What a man...I could have listened to him talk all night long.
Glad you were there, as well. You guys had a treat.
I tuned in via online. I truly enjoyed the conversation. Clive Davis’ career is incredible…I hope to come to NYC in person for future 92Y conversation with Ari events😃
Well said Joanie. I was so impressed at how sharp Clive was for a man of his age. He didn't miss a Beat...pun intended. Well done Ari.
Great for you, Joanie and thanks for sharing. Was hoping some of you on the East Coast could make it.
Joanie how lucky for you to have been able to attend last night.🎤🎼🎹
Yes V. Truly an honor. It's what I love about my city! And made so much sweeter to see Mr. Davis during his 90th birthday celebration wewk!
Great article, there are so many great protest songs out there it give me something to think about🙏😊. I can tell you straight off when a country and it people lose their values and respect for each other, you die a little everyday. l think of Marvin Gaye, What's Going on! As the first one that comes into my head. More to follow as times goes on👍😊
Yes very well said Eve, our country is slowly dying. Our democracy is in such deep trouble, and it seems like nothing is being done to stop it.🙏
We state, passively, "Nothing is being done (by "THEM")." Or, pointing the finger, declare "THEY should/shouldn't/need to..."
Said in comments here, there, & everywhere that we post our thoughts, opinions, & wishes, is that we want "it," whatever "it" may be, to become better, to be changed, or fixed. And we put the responsibility upon the royal "THEY/THEM" to do it. We complain, anguish, get frustrated & irritated when "THEY" don't come through for us, which is a lot.
While ~half of us in America are opining about the attacks on our democracy & the inadequate response by the Atty Genl & members of the Congress on its behalf, "WE," in coordination as "the voters," are not coalescing & taking up the reigns to drive "THEM" to do what "THEY" ought to have done & be doing. For the most part, & with great concern, we express ourselves among ourselves.
It appears to have come down to an unfortunate fact that we can't expect "IT" to be done unless WE, too, take ACTIVE responsibility, which on the whole, the majority "we" aren't accustomed to doing. You know, like, for e.g., the BLM & Me Too movements, where natural leader-type members of their cities or communities organized people caring about the issue(s) into a group of people who got up off the sofa & visible out on the street, out in communities growing support by talking to people, & setting up community forums with the representatives they elected for that very purpose of acting on our behalf in Washington.
Easy for me to say, right? 😐
Agree with you Kelly, but it’s preaching to the choir for this old gal: Recruited Speakers for Democratic Club Meetings; Attended/Attend Fundraisers; Participated in GOTV; Traveled the City, College Campuses, and Naturalization Ceremonies for Voter Registrations, Campaign Marches, State and Local Conventions (Can’t keep up with Pelosi, she moves so fast). Write every President, Governor, Sec’y of State and congressional leaders about whatever issue. At 75, I made it known to club members, donations only. These feet are tired!😂 So, for me, it is “THEY” and “THEM.”❤️ Of course, an email from me will be on its way to some authority figure, as they’re wheeling my body to wherever.
Hi Diva.!!! 😀You have worked so hard for our political party..👏👏👏 Good job, young lady. I've tried making calls to some of our Representatives and Senators, the Demoracts are always very courteous. Now the Republican lawmakers are a different story. I'm not going to stop, but it is frustrating. Keep it going my friend, we all will get through this together!!!🙏
As they say, “For the People.” V, I had an experience last night that just broke my heart. A friend lost a grandson, who was into filmmaking. A theatre organization in L.A., honored him last night. En route there, we were brought through Skid Row. It was something horrible for the psyche and I cannot ever un-see it. WHY?!! A country with so much wealth, supports blocks and blocks of sorrow. That’s right, SUPPORTED! So, yes, I shall keep it going. I have a lot of writing to do this week. Somebody needs to answer me! US! This Nation!
Oh Diva, my deepest condolences to your friend and her family.🙏
It's heartbreaking situations like this that we hold our loved ones a little tighter. I remember when my daughter was about 5 yeas old,and we passed by a homeless camp under a freeway underpass That was a difficult conversation to have with a child. I totally understand how you feel. 😳 We keep repeating ourselves, "This should not be happening in the United States Of America.." 💗
At least, not fast enough-not visible to us, anyway.
Hi Diva, I hope that is happening!!!🙏
Hi, Lady Vi. Yesterday and today brought about events that’s hard to not hear (President Obama on Misinformation/Stanford Speech and McCarthy’s audio exposure). Now, we know with whom we’re dealing, that they can spin The Ten Commandments. We’ll see how things shake out over the weekend. By the Sunday Morning shows, Kevin McCarthy might list my name, as the person who altered his statements and leaked the recordings.
Oh Diva, how I miss President Obama and his calming voice of reason.😢
The Sunday morning shows will definitely be the GOP spin machine trying to justify their lies again.
I know; there is nobody like him. Oh, we have many others, but some are shy to this political environment. As President Obama referenced, we have got to pull the country back.
Each day that you lose a bit before you look around it will be a large bit, slowly, not visible but it is there🙏😥
Yes it is, each day you see a little bit of your humanity disappear, lt makes me very sad, there are good people out there, l hope it stops, if not your democracy will disappear 😥 we have to fight as hard as we can, not to let that happen🙏
Just to bring in a “younger voice” I’ll go with Lil Baby and “The Bigger Picture.” He’s very sensitive, insightful. Enjoyed this newsletter and look forward to more.
I grew up with an older brother who lived and breathed folk music. So, the classics like “We Shall Overcome” sung by Pete Seeger and Joan Baez and Dylan’s “The Times They Are a-Changing” were my first exposures to protest anthems. The songs still hold up today. I will always appreciate and love my brother for expanding and enlightening my love of music.
Movies, songs, videos.🎹🎼🎤 No matter how long ago we were introduced to so many of these wonderful stories, they seem to resonate with what the world is experiencing right now. It's so hard to pinpoint just one, For What It's Worth by Buffalo Springfield is one of my top songs. Others are Blowin in the Wind by Peter Paul & Mary, The Sounds Of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel and the iconic What's Going On by Marvin Gaye. Thanks Ari!!! 🙏🎵💗👍
Great article Ari. First songs as a child that made me think about politics, questioning authority and struggles, etc. (other than the Irish revolutionary songs that I was raised with) would be Bob Dylan's early work, Blowing in the Wind of course) Every song on The Revolution Begins: Gil Scott-Heron.
A Change Is Gonna Come.
FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH- Buffalo Springfield FREEDOM-Richie Havens LUV what you do ARI !
Marvin Gaye`s "What`s Going On". Talks about war, death of Black because of racism and people of color being considered as "the other",
Get Together, by the Youngbloods. Straight ahead simplicity, as well as good music.