May 5, 2014
The Plaza Del Sol at the CSUN University Student Union was transformed into a musical celebration of the First Amendment, providing students and faculty both an entertaining and educational experience on April 24. “Freedom Sings” featured songs once considered controversial, performed by award-winning musicians. A vibrant slideshow running in the background gave the audience a historical perspective.
Ken Paulson, president of the First Amendment Center and dean of the College of Mass Communication at Middle Tennessee State University, narrated the multimedia experience, spotlighting banned or censored songs. The performances of the once-considered dangerous songs began with an introduction and explanation of the history of the songs, how they sparked social change and their impact on American society. Paulson’s introduction then led into musical ballads.
“A song about a couple falling asleep in a movie theater was banned in Boston for being too sexually suggestive for high school students. Times have changed,” Paulson told the audience, in reference to "Wake Up Little Susie" by the Everly Brothers.
An all-star cast of musicians reprised the controversial, dangerous and offensive songs of the time. Singer-songwriter Suzi Ragsdale accompanied Jonell Mosser, chosen as lead singer of the band “New Maroons” by Ringo Starr, Dez Dickerson, lead guitarist with “Prince and The Revolution,” and Bill Lloyd, songwriter and producer with the country duo, “Foster and Lloyd.”
“I came up with the idea to bring Freedom Sings to CSUN after seeing it performed at a journalism education conference last summer,” said Dr. Stephanie Bluestein, assistant professor of journalism at CSUN. “As I sat there watching the show, I vowed that I would do my best to share it with CSUN faculty and students.”
“People can read about government censorship and First Amendment rights but there's nothing like hearing the stories behind these songs and seeing them performed live,” she added. “Freedom Sings has a strong impact on the audience by being entertaining, educational and memorable. It makes people appreciate the First Amendment and its relevance in our lives as Americans.”
A photo gallery and video clips added visuals to the narration and musical performances. A projection of photographs, album covers and digital clips accompanied each performance. The photographs captured a time in American history where inequality, injustice and control sparked social change and steps towards peace.
Narrating the event, Paulson explained that popular culture deemed the banned, censored or modified songs dangerous because they suggested or promoted drug use and sex, hidden messages and rebellion. Some outraged parents went as far as to report the popular songs to the FBI. Music icons such as The Beatles, Janis Ian and Bob Dylan originally performed the songs featured on the show.
“Freedom Sings reminisces on a time where having a voice was crucial to help end discrimination and societal problems,” said Talia Raminfard, a CSUN journalism major. “Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it.”
The First Amendment celebration openly encouraged the engagement of social media during the event using the hashtag #FreedomSings. Freedom Sings ended with a brief Q&A.