60s Music Influence Vietnam War Protest Songs

While browsing through Roger Poh's postings (image) on his recent visit to Vietnam, the images show a peaceful and serene city with people going about their daily business. Readers very well know the situation in the 60s was the exact opposite, when the Vietnam War (1959 - 1975) was at its most explosive.

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Many songs in the 60s have been written about the war and its aftermath. The list is endless but the one below shows some of the songs that have been etched in the memory of those who understand the music influence during that period:

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1. Detroit City - Tom Jones - 1967
2. Galveston - Glen Campbell - 1967
3. Leaving On A Jet Plane - John Denver - 1967
4. 96 Tears - The Mysterians - 1966
5. Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay - Otis Redding - 1967

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6. We Gotta Get Out Of This Place - Animals - 1965 (image)
7. Yellow River - Christie - 1970
8. Johnnie B. Goode - Chuck Berry - 1958
9. Don't Cry Daddy - Elvis Presley - 1969
10. Where Have All The Flowers...? - Peter, Paul & Mary - 1962
11. Bad Moon Rising - Creedence Clearwater Revival - 1969

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Wikipedia explains that well known American protest songs include "We Shall Overcome", first associated with labor organizing and later with the Civil rights movement; Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind" and Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On". John Lennon's "Give Peace A Chance" referenced the American anti-Vietnam war movement and the arms race, although he was British.

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(Image: From Roger Poh's Collection.)