a History of 'We Shall Overcome'

We Shall Overcome became the anthem for the Civil Rights Movement, thanks in part to the movement leaders, and thanks in part to artists and folk signers like Bob Dylan and Pete Seeger. But the roots of the song go way back to the Civil War and slavery.

Maybe the most poignant thing about the evolution of We Shall Overcome is that there’s been a NEED for it to evolve. From the beginning, black music has always been about acknowledging oppression while hoping for a better future. That’s a paradox. That’s why the clip of Fountain Hughes is so inspiring and heartbreaking at the same time.

So the next time you hear this song, and I hope we don’t need any more versions of it, just know that it’s invoking the memory and traditions of some of America’s greatest fighters. People like Pete Seeger, Mahalia Jackson, Charles Tindley, Fountain Hughes, Union Soldiers, and perhaps even the first generations of born African American slaves. It’s powerful stuff. But it’s music, and music is powerful.

[MicahJosiahD]

Thank you for this. I watched Rep Al Green sing We Shall Overcome on the house floor today and had to know more about its history.

[morgankudlich]

Thank you for making this video! I am an elementary music teacher and I used this to teach my 4th and 5th graders about the musical and cultural history of this song. We are singing it as our "Song of the Month" this month and I appreciated having an in-depth explanation and conversation from a culture bearer. Thank you again!

[Wyattinous]

Damn. I cried so much watching this. The fact this doesn’t have more views is near criminal. So many amazing people who deserve to be seen and heard, now more than ever. And you deserve so much love and growth for making such a masterful video. Found out about this song in gathering for the recent reinstatements in Tennessee. Looked up Joan Baez’s version and couldn’t keep myself from breaking down its so beautiful. Thank you for doing history’s serves.

[gerardyun]

Absolutely amazing work here!!!! Zilphia Horton has a huge part in both bringing the elements of lyrics and melody together and then carrying it to the people who made history with it. I know she is often left out of this history when it is told. Curious, when so many others are keenly included. The message about music here is powerful -- inclusive, goes everywhere, grows and changes, holds all kinds of meanings as it moves through our lives and social contexts. Absolutely, the best presentation I've seen on We Shall Overcome. Wonderful!!!

[rebeccawizov]

This video is SO well done. thank you so much - using it as an intro to my music classes for teaching protest songs/music of the civil rights movement!!

[TheAaronRodgersTao]

Wow…. Thank you. Fell asleep and quickly woke up with this song stuck in my head. Not sure about anything or why this happened, but I’m so grateful to have found your video. You are so full of humility and kindness…. Thank you for bringing this very important and beautiful information to us.

[barlimonster]

Bill Frisell encored with We Shall Overcome last night in Charlottesville and it was deeply moving. We definitely still need this song. Great video.Thanks.

[veronicarenteria]

Thank you for sharing this. I am a high school teacher teaching intertextuality. This works like a charm. The song is so beautiful too!

[KarlaRussellConflictBPeace]

Thank you...we do not know where we are going until we know where we came from.

[OfficialZealking]

And by the eventide, we shall overcome.

[ps]

Such an interesting discussion of one of the most beautiful Melodie’s ever written

[JessanDunnOtis]

Many thanks and blessings, @GenieDeez. "...that's powerful stuff..." indeed!

[KMatt-vpys]

We are reading "We Shall Overcome: The Story of a Song" by Debbie Levy and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton in my fourth grade dual language class. I thank you for your video. I am going to use it in conjunction with the book, so that my students can hear the different versions and better understand the song's history.

[samkuzel]

I'm teaching this song to my students and I'm really glad to have found this while looking into its background. What an excellent video - I've probably never more quickly subbed and hit the bell lol

[simonezanella]

What an emotional journey. Thanks for this video (and for adding Mahalia Jackson to it. I love her). I learned this song back in 2006 from Bruce Springsteen's cover and I loved it. I didn't know the whole story about it. Thanks! Greetings from Italy 👋

[mirandaemery]

Sublime 💫🌬️🤍🖤🤍🖤♥️
Immense Thank you to you for This Mighty important document ! I send you from France but beyond that from my heart : Grand Bravo merci beaucoup, to be (Merci d’exister)🙏🏽
ALWAYS, EVER & FOR EVER BE, STAY PROUD ! CONTINUE THE SAY IT LOUD : “I’M BLACK AND I’M PROUD !” 💫

[wghd]

O Sanctissima is also used as the melody of a famous German Christmas Song "Oh du fröhliche" ~ "Oh you joyful"

[gussowsclassicbluesharmoni]

Superb! I'm just reading Bernice Johnson Reagon's essay, "The Civil Rights Movement, " in AFRICAN AMERICA MUSIC: AN INTRODUCTION, and although she lays out the song's history in detail, she doesn't go back as far as you do with the song's melody. You've added something new here, and I'm grateful for the lesson.

[WhitandRy]

Genie, this is so well done. Thank you for creating this and everything else you do!

[chocolatme]

Powerful, sad and beautiful at the same time. Thank you for sharing~ 8:46