EDWIN STARR -
From Nina Simone and Sam Cooke to Marvin Gaye and Edwin Starr, the acclaimed singer picks his favourites
he protest songs of the 1960s and ’70s managed to blend political and societal views with music from the heart. This is something I tried to replicate on my new album Take Me to the Alley, a soul and jazz album that deals with social issues.
The title track, for example, is about status and the interaction between those who are considered less than others; people who have fallen down, people who are afflicted, people with some malady, some ills, some addiction. The song questions how we treat those who are in need of a helping hand. Do we welcome them, or turn them away?
Another track, acknowledges the necessity of non-violent protest, the most effective form of protest in the 1960s: “Stand up on the seat with your dirty feet. Put your fist in the air and be sweet,” the song’s lyrics go.
Throughout my career I’ve been inspired by the artists who defined those decades of creative revolution; musicians such as Marvin Gaye, Billie Holiday and Nina Simone. At a time of societal upheaval, here are five of the most empowering protest anthems I know. As well as having a really strong message, sometimes an artist needs to couple their sentiment with something that’s soulful and groovy to listen to. War by Edwin Starr is my first pick for a great protest song. American jazz vocalist and songwriter Gregory Porter performs at the 13th VeszpremFest music festival in Hungary on July 14.