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Post-Roe, a look at how old and new protest music reflects political moments

A march protesting the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022 in Portland, Ore.
Mathieu Lewis-Rolland
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Getty Images
A march protesting the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022 in Portland, Ore.

Since the Supreme Court announced the decision to effectively overturn Roe v. Wade on Jun 27, musicians have made their positions on the landmark ruling clear in their words, with their dollars and, of course, through song.

In the wake of dramatic shifts like last week's decision, music from the past can take on new salience. Lyrics land with a renewed weight.

All Things Considered's Ari Shapiro spoke with NPR Music critic Ann Powers and music scholar Shana Redmond about how old and new protest music — including tracks like Nina Simone's "Missippi Goddam" and Anderson .Paak's "Lockdown" — can reflect political moments.

To hear this story, use the audio player at the top of this page. Please be advised that some listeners may find the language featured in this story objectionable.

Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

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Ari Shapiro
Ari Shapiro has been one of the hosts of All Things Considered, NPR's flagship afternoon newsmagazine, since 2015. He has reported from above the Arctic Circle and aboard Air Force One. He has covered wars in Iraq, Ukraine, and Israel, and he has filed stories from dozens of countries and most of the 50 states. His debut memoir, The Best Strangers In the World, was an instant New York Times bestseller. He is also a frequent guest singer with the "little orchestra" Pink Martini, and he regularly tours the country as a cabaret artist with the actor Alan Cumming.
Noah Caldwell
[Copyright 2024 NPR]
Jonaki Mehta
Jonaki Mehta is a producer for All Things Considered. Before ATC, she worked at Neon Hum Media where she produced a documentary series and talk show. Prior to that, Mehta was a producer at Member station KPCC and director/associate producer at Marketplace Morning Report, where she helped shape the morning's business news.