Okayplayer Presents: The Music Behind The March On Washington

In celebration of The March On Washington, Okayplayer presents a collection of freedom songs - new and old - that have typified, influenced or cited the massive demonstration that stands as a hallmark of the Civil Rights Movement and the backdrop for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic I Have A Dream speech. The music collected here is applicable to that movement and others like it that have challenged the world to abandon negativity and hatred in order to end human suffering and champion advancements in policy that would ultimately increase the rights of all people regardless of race, creed, color, orientation or origin.

The role of musicians in the advancement of these agendas is a critical point that is often overlooked in the retelling of American history. Their presence - a constant across eras and conflicts from The Civil Rights Movement to Tahrir Square - deserves continued attention, especially given the frequency with which musicians have subjected themselves to beatings and imprisonment in a show of solidarity with protestors and the leaders of social uprisings. The sounds below are those of suffering, struggle, empowerment and triumph as told through sonic innovation and solid musicianship that carries words and often conveys the emotion of the times more effectively than the pen or the tongue ever could. On the anniversary of the march we pay tribute to the music makers, the movement and continued efforts to overcome across the world. This is a note of thanks to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and others like him whose words and actions continue to dare the world to dream.

"Mississippi Goddam" - Nina Simone

"All My Trials" - Joan Baez

"How I Got Over" - Aretha Franklin

"Will The Circle Be Unbroken" - The Staples Singers

"People Get Ready" - The Impressions

"Say It Loud" - James Brown

"Fruit Of Islam" - Terence Blanchard

"Liberation" - Outkast

"Freedom" - Common

"Alabama" - John Coltrane

"Sister Rosa" - The Neville Brothers

"Get Up Stand Up" - Bob Marley

"What's Going On" - Marvin Gaye

"Freedom" - Various Artists (The Panther Soundtrack)

"Change Is Gonna Come" - Sam Cooke

"We Shall Overcome" - Morehouse College Glee Club

"Trouble In My Way" - Como Mamas

"Fight The Power" - Public Enemy

"I've Been Buked" - Mahalia Jackson

"Eyes On The Prize" - Mavis Staples

"Wake Up Everybody" - John Legend x The Roots

I Have A Dream Speech