How were the songs in this project chosen? Though seemingly widespread, there were a few defining factors that proved necessary for the songs chosen.
Connection to Events
The defining factor for choosing these songs was the connection to the events chosen. This meant that the songs could either relate to an overall group, such as the Vietnam War, or a more specific event, like the Kent State Massacre. This is due to the fact that there needed to be a connection between the songs in someway, especially due to the protest element of this project.
The songs could come from any genre, artist, or year as long as they were in relation to an event from the 1950s-1970s, identified as American (barring a few exceptions), and fit under the definition of protest music. This includes songs that are considered counterculture for this project as in a way they are protesting the protests while also being in support for the event that it relates to.
Events Memorialized
One of the reasons why these songs were chosen is because they captured the events and feelings of the time. Though people, even some of the artists used for this project, may have shifted their viewpoints on the events that occurred, these songs remain immortal in capturing those initial viewpoints and reactions. They become a time capsule for both major and minor events evoking raw feelings that have carried throughout the years.
This immortalisation also allows for a further understanding of what these events meant to people. Most of the events presented in this project evoked feelings of anger due to the treatment of others, but they also allowed for sources of hope to spring up, especially in the music asking for peace. Some of the events are also considered controversial or have conflicting views as to what occurred which makes using the music easier than relying on some accounts at the time as it does not fully depict what occurred but recounts the feelings at what happened.
Popularity
Most of the songs chosen were considered heavily popular either when they were released or as time went on. This means that there would be a common recognition of the songs included making it easier to do a breakdown on what the songs meant and what events they connected to. It also allows for a wider audience due to the genres and artists spanned.
However, not every song in this project was popular or even widespread. Some songs, such as “Where was Jesus in Ohio?” by Bruce Springsteen, were never utilized again or recorded after the first year of it being performed even though they were done by famous artists. Other songs, like songs from the 1950s, were relatively obscure and their artists obscurer still.