Freedom Songs with STARR
Jump to section:
Tradition and Artist Overview
Freedom songs were anthems of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and a potent catalyst for change. These were songs that were made to be sung together in groups to unify the movement and deliver strong, clear messages of liberation. Musically, they are accessible, direct, and repetitive. They embody a range of emotions—joy, sadness, determination, defiance, hope. Many were originally spirituals, but the lyrics were altered to reflect a renewed purpose.
S T A R R, who accepts all pronouns said with respect, grew up in Texas, but music has taken them all over the world. S T A R R truly believes that music and art are a deeply powerful practice; they consider all the music they make an offering or gift to whomever listens. S T A R R hopes that their songs will help people see themselves, their community, and their current circumstances in a new or different way that encourages people to look not just with their eyes or intellect but also with their hearts. S T A R R’s goal is to create an entry point to personal liberation that will ultimately lead to collective liberation.
Lessons
Students change the message of the song by altering one phrase; they also have an opportunity to write their own song delivering a message that is important to them.
Students will learn to sing “Freedom Highway” and some of its musical elements.
Resources for Teachers
The following resources provide background information about the musical tradition and culture. Some are intended to be shared with students; others are for teachers who may want to explore further on their own.
Listening
Visit starrbusby.onuniverse.com to hear more of S T A R R’s music.
- S T A R R Busby, “Ms. Bland” and “Wishing Tree”
- The Golden Gospel Singers, “O Freedom”
- Pete Seeger, “We Shall Overcome”
- Bernice Johnson Reagon and the Freedom Singers, “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ’Round”
- Nina Simone, “I Wish I Knew (How It Would Feel to Be Free)”
- Sweet Honey in the Rock, “Eyes on the Prize”
- Bob Dylan, “The Times They Are a Changin’” and “Chimes of Freedom”
- Staple Singers, “Freedom Highway”
- Odetta, “This Little Light of Mine”
- Joan Baez, “Oh Freedom” and “Birmingham Sunday”
Reading
- Bernice Johnson Reagan, Music in the Civil Rights Movement
- Toni Morrison, The Bluest Eye
Literacy Extension
- A Sweet Smell of Roses, Angela Johnson
- Let Freedom Sing, Vanessa Newton
Image Credits
S T A R R by Julia Anrather; Weeksville Heritage center by Susan De Vries; “Civil rights march on Washington, D.C.” by Warren K Leffler; Choir by Western Pennsylvania— United Methodist Church.