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