Most socially conscious music act of the past 100 years?

Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young....

 

The Tibetan Freedom Concert is put on anually by the Beastie Boys. I am surprised that they didn't get more of the vote, although I guess most of their fans probably don't visit time.com.

 

Interesting thread for me. I haven't listnened to much of this music recently. I guess I'll have to check out Bono.

My question. I remember when some politically conscious music was top 40. E.g from Hayes,-- Crosby Still Nask Young. Alternative radio type stuff, with the possible exception of some rap music?.

Another obervation. Top 40 poltically conscious music has generally speaking disappeared mysteriously from the oldies stations' play list.

 

What an idiot. i have listened to U2 and liked them. Didn't know bono was in that group. Oh well better than complete ignorance.

 

Dave Matthews! Not really yet, but I can totally see them turn into one as they grow older.

 

Can there really be a "most" socially conscious singer? I doubt it. There are many that have made significant contributions, though... Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, Neil Young, Phil Collins, Bruce Springsteen, Chuck D, Talib Kwelli, Lauryn Hill.... many.

 

I can't believe Willie Nelson scored so low.

 

Am I crazy or doesn't Marvin Gaye belong on this list somewhere?

 

Bob Dylan?

 

How the hell can Bob Geldof not be on that list!?!?!?

 

Yes!!

 

There are more socially conscious groups than even those mentioned, but these are the ones everyone knows about.

My vote is for "The Samples" or Neil Young

 

i don't think so...i think dave's all about the music.

 

I think right now they are, but they have quite a few songs that deal with socially conscious issues like "The Last Stop", "Don't Drink the Water", "Cry Freedom", and "Mother Father".

Not to mention many things that they promote on their website.

 

yeah...i just see dave as being a bit too quirky (good word, huh, Jeff??) to be the spokesperson for some great cause. he doesn't have the same gravitas (can't believe i just used that word) of a sting or a bono.

having said all that....i have his dave matthews/tim reynolds cd playing right now in my office....crash!! fantastic!!! not sure how i'd make it through the work day without music!

 

Where the hell are the Doobie Brothers?

Anyone ever hear "China Grove?"

GOTDAMN!

 

Somehow I didn't think Metallica would make the list...

The Beatles/Lennon would get my vote, if the implication was the greatest positive social impact. They defined the 60s and 70s culturally... U2/Bono is just a gimmick that didn't define anything.

 

Yes, a 22 year old band that has written socially conscious music from the beginning is a pretty good gimmick.

 

What have they changed, RM95? Nothing. This is not a comment on whether or not you like them, it's a comment on how much of a social impact they've had.

Bono/U2 have maybe gotten a few people to eat a few less hamburgers. The Beatles changed the world... sort of...

Ahhh, I guess RM95 was young enough to miss the Beatles Revolution...