Revolutionary Figures in Music

Jenn Cohen | February 1, 2013 | 0 Comments

by Nathan Schmit

This month, students were asked who they considered revolutionary in music. And while our discussion in class focused on people who have helped shape music as a medium (Duke Ellington, Dj Kool Herc, Miles Davis, and Lee Scratch Perry), the students were impressed by what certain artists said, rather than the instrumentation. The following are the responses from students at the Third Way Center, Lowry:

“Bob Dylan is an extremely revolutionary figure in music. His lyrics are so poetic, and he speaks his metaphors as if they are an art form. Bob’s music has helped me through some of the most difficult times in my life and he is still appreciated today. Bob’s music has incredible vibes, and he is all about fairness and equality among the people of the world.” Galaxy

“Chris Webby, because he talks about changing this world from being destroyed by us humans; and for all of us to work together as a team to fix this world so it doesn’t get destroyed.” MB17

“I like 2 Pac because all of his music is REAL. What he raps about makes sense to my everyday life and the struggles I’ve been through growing up.” Infection

“…Eminem, because he says what he feels and says what other people wouldn’t say.” Dj Dopie

“Someone that has inspired me is Carrie Underwood because she writes songs about real-life situations, like people who have lost someone and the other parent is a drunk.” MizzUnderstood

“My revolutionary figure in music is the Used because they are rockin’ and they have meaning and feeling and they are cool.” Tigress

“…Nirvana, because it fits me and helps me through hard times, and shows me that some lives are harder than mine.” Dj Superfluff

Youth On Record, a program of Flobots.org, teaches music production and lyric writing in residential treatment centers across Denver and beyond, as a means of supporting their specific treatment goals. It is truly amazing what many young people will do and say when given the opportunity.

About Flobots.org

Founded in 2007 by the internationally known Denver based hip-hop collective Flobots, Flobots.org connects underserved youth across Colorado with music and empowerment education. Led by a network of professional musicians, artists and educators, Flobots.org programs are designed to harness the power of music and those who love it.