Tells the story of the American civil rights movement through its powerful music - the freedom songs protesters sang on picket lines, in mass meetings, and in jail cells as they fought for justice and equality. Features new performances of the freedom songs by top artists; archival footage; and interviews with civil rights foot soldiers and leaders. Freedom songs evolved from slave chants, from the labor movement, and especially from the black church. Music enabled blacks to sing words they could not say, and it was crucial in helping the protesters as they faced down brutal aggression with dignity and non-violence. The infectious energy of the songs swept people up and empowered them to fight for their rights. This film celebrates the vitality of this music.
This May Be the Last Time — Anthony Hamilton & The Blind Boys of Alabama
Wade in the Water — Angie Stone
This Little Light of Mine — The Carlton Reese Memorial Unity Choir, Valencia Reese, Lula Joe Williams
I'm Gonna Sit at the Welcome Table — Guy Carawan, Candie Carawan
One Of These Old Days — The Caravans & Shirley Caesar
Which Side Are You On? — Hank Thomas
Which Side Are You On? — The Freedom Singers
Ninety-Nine and A Half Won't Do — Carlton Reese and the Birmingham Movement Choir
Hallelujah, I'm a-Travelin' — Hank Thomas
Eyes On the Prize — Joss Stone
Ain't Scared of Your Jails — Charles Neblett
We Shall Not Be Moved — Mary Mary
I'm On My Way — the Carlton Reese Memorial Unity Choir, Mamie Brown-Mason
Here's to the State of Mississippi — Wyclef Jean, Jerry Wonder
Will the Circle Be Unbroken? — Richie Havens
Yes, We Want Our Freedom — Cleo Kennedy & Carlton Reese
Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Round — The Roots
Governor Wallace — The Freedom Singers
Right! Right! — Lula Joe Williams
Take My Hand, Precious Lord — Mahalia Jackson
Woke Up This Morning — John Legend
Woke Up This Morning — The Freedom Singers
Freedom's Gonna Reign — the Carlton Reese Memorial Unity Choir, Mary Turner
We Shall Overcome — Pete Seeger
We Shall Overcome — Guy Carawan
We Shall Overcome — Harold Middlebrook
We Shall Overcome — Anthony Hamilton & Joss Stone & The Blind Boys of Alabama & Mary Mary & John Legend