Overview
In this lesson, we will consider several musical responses that occurred in the wake of September 11, 2001. One corporation banned songs that it thought would be controversial or upsetting, igniting accusations of censorship. Several country musicians recorded anthems that promised revenge on those who had wronged the United States, and these songs were received with varying degrees of acceptance by listeners and by other musicians. Finally, the outspoken members of one band found themselves at odds with both corporations and their fellow country musicians when they criticized President George W. Bush. The controversies presented in this lesson raise questions about free speech, censorship, and the effects music can have in response to tragedy.
Objectives
- Recall the music that Clear Channel suggested that its radio stations not play after 9/11
- Recall the musical responses of several country music artists in response to the events of 9/11
- Recall the controversies surrounding the Dixie Chicks and their statements about other musicians and the American president
Introduction
On September 11, 2001, al-Qaeda terrorists carried out four coordinated attacks. They crashed planes into the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and a field in rural Pennsylvania (this plane was believed to have been aimed at the White House but was diverted by the passengers). The events of September 11 were the worst terrorist attack to ever occur on American soil, killing almost three thousand people as well as hundreds of firefighters and other rescue personnel. Americans were in shock after 9/11, and many responded with acts of patriotism and valor that ranged from donating blood to displaying American flags to organizing benefit concerts.
In this lesson, we will consider several musical responses to the events and aftermath of 9/11. One corporation banned songs that it thought would be controversial or upsetting, igniting accusations of censorship. Several country musicians recorded anthems that promised revenge on those who had wronged the United States, and these songs were received with varying degrees of acceptance by listeners and by other musicians. Finally, the outspoken members of the Dixie Chicks found themselves at odds with both corporations and their fellow country musicians when they criticized President George W. Bush and country musician Toby Keith. The controversies presented in this lesson raise questions about free speech, censorship, and the effects music can have for those who have suffered an almost unimaginable tragedy.
"... Clear Channel owns all the major radio stations and venues. Most musicians aren't aware that a few people control so much of what we hear…"
