Music and Myths:
Popular Culture and Social Change
I. Context
II. Myths
III. Moments
IV. Assessment
Percy Faith (“A Summer Place”)
“In the Ghetto” (1969)
Nixon and Elvis (1970)
Nixon and Elvis (1970) “Elvis indicated that he thought the Beatles had been a real
force for anti-American spirit. He said that the Beatles came to
this country, made their money, and then returned to England
where they promoted an anti-American theme. The President
nodded in agreement and expressed some surprise. The
President then indicated that those who use drugs are also in
the vanguard of anti-American protest. … Presley indicated to
the President in a very emotional manner that he was “on your
side.” He also mentioned that he [had studied] communist
brainwashing and the drug culture for over ten years. … The
President indicated again his concern that Presley retain his
credibility [with young people]. … At the conclusion of the
meeting, Presley again told the President how much he
supported him and then, in a spontaneous, surprising gesture,
put his left arm around the President and hugged him.”
I. Context
• Commerce
• Demography
• Technology
The Beatles Invasion (1964)
“Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”
(1967)
FM Radio
II. Myths
• Race
• Sexuality
• Ideology
• Culture
“Dancing in the Street” (1964)
“Piece of My Heart” (Janis Joplin)
“Fortunate Son” (CCR) Some folks are born made to wave the flag
Ooh they’re red white and blue.
And when the band plays Hail to the chief
they point the cannon right at you.
It ain’t me it ain’t me; I ain’t no senator’s son.
It ain’t me it ain’t me; I ain’t no fortunate one.
Some folks are born silver spoon in hand
Lord don’t they help themselves. But when the
tax man comes to the door Lord the house looks
like a rummage sale. …
Some folks inherit star spangled eyes
Ooh they send you down to war. And when you
ask them How much should we give ? They only
answer more ! more ! more !
“Ballad of the Green Berets”
(Sgt. Barry Sadler)
“Too Many Martyrs” (Phil Ochs)
“So Happy Together” (1967)
“Go Ask Alice” / “White Rabbit”
(Jefferson Airplane)
“Okie from Muskogee” (1968)
Hardhat Rally (1970)
III. Moments
Woodstock (1969)
Rolling
Stones
“Sympathy
for
the Devil”
IV. Assessment
“Eve of Destruction” (1965)
Useful Sources
• Susan Douglas, Where the Girls
Are (1994)
• David Hadju, Positively Fourth
Street (2001)
Across the Universe
(2007)
Music and Myths:
Popular Culture and Social Change
I. Context
II. Myths
III. Moments
IV. Assessment