Martin Luther King's charismatic cadence prompted John Coltrane to write the song "Alabama," a piece based on the legendary leader's voice. The jazz icon isn't the only musician to be inspired by Dr. King. Today on the show, we look at how Martin Luther King's speeches inspired musical tributes by Coltrane, Mahalia Jackson, Sweet Honey in the Rock and others. Poet and musician Carl Hancock Rux joins us to explore some examples. Also: Singer-songwriter Eisa Davis
Songs Inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr.
The landmark speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr. have inspired countless musical tributes, including songs that capture the rhythm of his speech. Hear some examples today, when we revisit a conversation with poet and musician Carl Hancock Rux that first aired in 2005.
Eisa Davis
In 1939, a 24-year-old Billie Holiday stood under a spotlight singing a song like none she’d sung before. The piece, "Strange Fruit," told the graphic tale of Southern lynchings. It became a protest anthem in the 1940s and again during the 1960s Civil Rights movement led by Martin Luther King. ...
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