Top Ten Civil Rights Songs | The Nation

In honor of Monday's national holiday marking the birth of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., I embarked on the impossible task of selecting a top ten list of songs about civil rights. The theme has resonated deeply with generations of artists of all stripes and inspired considerable musical tribute so this list is meant simply as a starting point for discussion (and listening!) Please use the comments field below to let me what I missed.

In random order:

1. Mavis Staples, We Shall Not Be Moved

2 The Impressions, People Get Ready

3. Sam Cooke, A Change is Gonna Come

4. Nina Simone, I Wish I Knew (How It Would Feel to be Free)

5. Phil Ochs, Here's to the State of Mississippi

6. Bob Dylan, The Times They Are A Changin'

7. Sweet Honey in the Rock, Eyes on the Prize

8. Gil Scott-Heron, 95 South (All of the Places We've Been)

9. The Roots, Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me 'Round

10. The Staples Singers, Freedom Highway