The “Golden Era” of Rock and its Social Reformation

In the 1960s and 1970s, rock endured what many consider its “golden era.” During this time, rock bands created catchy tunes and songs with profound social impact. Artists used their music as a vehicle and tool to challenge norms and advocate for meaningful change. However, the definition of “making a difference” in people’s lives varies. Many songs out there challenged different things that were causing injustices in the world. The songs addressed social issues like civil rights, gender equality, and anti-war sentiments, while others may have addressed different societal issues at that time. The term “social reform” can relate to a broad spectrum of many different perspectives, but in this case, it is while discussing the transformative power of rock music during its golden age.  

The 60s and 70s were filled with significant global issues, many of which are still seen today but were particularly prominent during this period. These issues include civil rights, gender equality, and anti-war movements. Musicians during this time rose to the occasion, using their influence on their audience to shine a light and perspective on these specific issues. Through their music, they sought to challenge the societal norms, advocate for change, and to offer a new and enlightened perspective on these matters. This change could have been presented through protest songs, anthems, or calls for peace. Artists used their platform to shape the discourse presented in society and inspire diverse types of action on these issues as well.  

Artists known for their activism in this time include, but are not limited to, Pete Townshend of “The Who” and Sting from “The Police.” In an article on the Human Rights’ Careers website called “15 Artists Using Music to Promote Human Rights,” it is said that Pete Townshend “was the first musician to perform for Amnesty International’s Human Rights Concerts and inspired other renowned rock musicians to support the human rights cause.” Townshend’s commitment to using his music as a platform for human rights highlights the significant impact artists can have beyond just their music, as Townshend influenced other renowned rock musicians to support the cause. Sting is known for his activism and is said to have “written songs inspired by his concern for world hunger and oppressive political regimes.” A notable example is his hit single “Russians,” which was released during the Cold War era. This song addressed the nuclear arms race and the need for a solution to it all. He not only raised awareness but provoked thought and reflection on the global issue. These artists fought through their music to bring their beliefs forward to their major audiences.  

A better example of an artist during the “golden age” using their platform to contribute to social change is Pete Seeger and his song “Waist Deep in the Big Muddy.” This track carries allusions to the Vietnam War. Seeger makes metaphors to a military commander leading his troops into a dangerous river. Which symbolizes the consequence of blindly following authority. The lyrics portray the pointlessness of the war and show what soldiers and civilians may be facing morally. In the book, “Pete Seeger, Musical Revolutionary,” by Brett Clark and Scott Borchert, it is said that “a 1968 audience would have clearly understood that this song is also about Vietnam.” In 1967, Seeger, an already blacklisted artist, performed his song on the Smothers Brothers comedy hour and was censored by CBS. In the same book is his response to being censored which is, “I’m very grateful to C.B.S. for letting me return to commercial broadcasting,” he was quoted in the New York Times, “but I think what they did was wrong, and I am really concerned about it. I think the public should know that their airwaves are censored for ideas as well as for sex.” Seeger did not agree with the censorship put on his performance. With his power of music, he added to an ongoing anti-war rebellion and sparked the interest of even more people across the United States. But by 1968 these censors relented, and Seeger returned to the show. He ended up playing the same song, and this time it was broadcast to the homes of millions of people.  

From this “golden era” came the gradual shift to modern music and rock. Within this shift, there were changes in style, theme, and demographics. The style changes became more colorful and sparkly, the themes changed to the use of many swear words and sexually suggestive lyrics, and the demographics geared more towards the satisfaction of young teens. With these changes, the result was getting rid of overly political themes in modern music.  

This “golden era” of rock music had not only a certain style and sound but also a commitment to rebellion and social change. While there may be certain eras of music that share similarities in their rebellious forms or themes, the cultural impact and historical context of the “golden era” set it apart as a unique period of innovation and change. It may seem that the golden era or rock could come back, but the landscape of the music industry and society has evolved making the same replication of the “golden era” unlikely.  

Modern music has the industry’s influence glooming over its shoulders. The music industry now takes artists, constructs, and shapes what is produced and how. Many record labels in modern times decide what is considered an acceptable genre and song. Along with this is also the industry’s marketing control. They decide what to put out, who to collaborate with, and who to direct the content to. Making it easier for the artists to succeed with no need or want to speak out against the conflicts around the globe. Marketability also causes artists to want to appeal to mainstream media. The fear of speaking out could be influenced by the stability that the artists receive as well as the opportunities given to them if they “behave” according to the record labels’ standards.  

The industry was around in the 60s and 70s, but they were not as controlling over artists as they are now. During that time, musicians had creative control over what they wanted to release and with that creative control, the issues that they felt needed to be addressed could be. Without industry towering over them, they had the freedom to do what they thought was right.  

Realistically, there have been musicians in modern times who used their platform and music to speak out against the world’s injustices. Nowadays the issue is that when artists do speak out, the message is not always received, and speaking out can affect them in many ways. Some of these ways are with business and personal issues. One of the artists that have recently used their platform is Annie Lennox. In the article on MEAWW’s website called, “Internet furious after Annie Lennox’s live Grammys performance ‘cut off’ over singer’s plea for ceasefire in Gaza,” it is said that “CBS cut the political activist’s mic.” While on stage and being broadcast to the world, Lennox spoke out about the war but was censored overall.  

These days when artists speak out censorship and blacklisting are the scariest part. The backlash of fans all over the world plays a significant role as well. Cancel culture has become some frequent that overall, most musicians with major platforms do not feel the need to speak out.  

It is also important to point out that there are artists that create uproar with their content, but they may not be speaking about global issues. These days a lot of artists put out provocative content or have behavior that seems “out of pocket,” But usually this behavior tends to create a rise in streams and album sales. Working more for the industry than against.  

In short, the “golden era” of rock music in the 60s and 70s was built around the musicians who used their music and platforms to address the issues that pressed society at that time. Artists like Pete Townsend, Sting, and Pete Seeger are prime examples of using music to create conversations about civil rights, anti-war movements, and human rights. But with the way modern music evolved, the spark that once led musicians to speak out about these problems has had a noticeable shift. This influence comes from the new control and powers of the music industry and the influence of marketability. Although some modern musicians do use their platforms, many stop out of fear. This fear is from the censorship and backlash. Despite these challenges, the “golden era” of rock music serves as the sole reminder of how music can affect and inspire change with real-life issues and social constructs.  

References

(PDF) Pete Seeger, musical revolutionary – researchgate. (n.d.). 

Bharti, A. (2024, February 5). “shame on you!” Grammys under fire for cutting off Annie Lennox’s mic as she pleads for ceasefire in Gaza. MEAWW. 

Higa, K. (2022, July 19). 15 artists using music to promote human rights. Human Rights Careers.