Thread: Why Arent Musicans as Influential in Politics Today as they were in the 60s/70s?

John Lennon was credited for getting John Sinclair released from prison. Bob Dylan has been seen as being a major player in changing public opinion on civil rights and the war in vietnam. Nixon used to have wiretaps on popular musicians. Jimmy Carter's campaign for POTUS in 1976 was basically saved by the Allman Brothers Band.

Why arent musicans as influential in political opinion as they used to be?

What popular musician of this generation is Bob Dylan, Duane Allman, or John Lennon?

No, seriously; my answer is that: because they arent singing about politics. Because mostly the present generation of music is very apolitical. Allman wasnt usually overtly political, but I would suggest Carter rode Nixon's famous crookedness at least as much. Lennon, Dylan, the whole 60s-70s music scene, much of it was overtly political.

Then start a movement based on today's artists.

Who's first in line to follow whatever Katy Perry has to say about politics?
Miley Cyrus?
Hoobastank?

Originally Posted by CONSagainROMNEY

Why arent musicans as influential in political opinion as they used to be?

Because they want their music to be better than that political crap?

Songs about drinking and drugs and getting a piece are much much better.

Originally Posted by CONSagainROMNEY

John Lennon was credited for getting John Sinclair released from prison. Bob Dylan has been seen as being a major player in changing public opinion on civil rights and the war in vietnam. Nixon used to have wiretaps on popular musicians. Jimmy Carter's campaign for POTUS in 1976 was basically saved by the Allman Brothers Band.

Why arent musicans as influential in political opinion as they used to be?

As somebody who lived through all those things, I think you are vastly overrating the contributions of all that you listed.

Look at the most recent example: do we give Bruce Springsteen credit for the 2008 election of Barack Obama? He did far more for Obama in terms of time and effort, money and contributions than any of the people you listed.

Because new musicians are more concerned with making money. Hard to do that, when you mix politics with your product...it causes you to alienate potential customers.

Profits > Politics

Originally Posted by KevinKohler

Because new musicians are more concerned with making money. Hard to do that, when you mix politics with your product...it causes you to alienate potential customers.

Profits > Politics

Indeed, just ask the Dixie Chicks. ;-)

Originally Posted by ttwtt78640

Indeed, just ask the Dixie Chicks. ;-)

Exactly, lol.

I know that some of the old timers here are thinking things like, "Stand for something, or fall for anything", in regards to today's musicians, but I gotta be honest. I'd do the same thing, if it were me. Think about it. You don't go to work, and risk losing your job over railing at your fellow employees or customers about your personal political beliefs? Does that make you wishy washy, frail, unable to stand for what you believe in? No, that makes you a responsible adult who realizes that EATING is more important than letting people know what you believe in. Why should a musicians workplace be any different than yours?

Originally Posted by KevinKohler

Exactly, lol.

I know that some of the old timers here are thinking things like, "Stand for something, or fall for anything", in regards to today's musicians, but I gotta be honest. I'd do the same thing, if it were me. Think about it. You don't go to work, and risk losing your job over railing at your fellow employees or customers about your personal political beliefs? Does that make you wishy washy, frail, unable to stand for what you believe in? No, that makes you a responsible adult who realizes that EATING is more important than letting people know what you believe in. Why should a musicians workplace be any different than yours?

If music was simply a means to get a paycheck, then I would agree with you. But isnt GOOD music supposed to be about passion? About taking risks? Experimenting? Connecting with people and comunicating ideas and feelings that can't be communicated through other means?