Hey America!

This book explores the intricate connection between music and politics, revealing how Hey America! illustrates the profound impact of artists on social change.

The book Hey America! uncovers the hidden narrative of how various U.S. presidents and their top advisors enlisted popular musicians from the realms of pop, rock, and soul to bolster their electoral campaigns and influence public policy. This intriguing journey often led to unexpected and sometimes troubling outcomes, reflecting a significant period of social transformation in America. Through a blend of music and politics, the book illustrates how these artists became instrumental in shaping the cultural landscape of the nation.

Delving deeper, Hey America! highlights the struggles and triumphs of black music, showcasing its resilience against racism, segregation, and the challenges posed by underfunded record labels and media bias. The narrative is enriched by anecdotes involving iconic figures such as Louis Armstrong, who had a contentious relationship with President Eisenhower, and Eartha Kitt, whose bold confrontation with Lady Bird Johnson left a lasting impact. James Brown’s interactions with various presidents, including Nixon, further underscore the complex relationship between music and politics during tumultuous times.

With a moving and insightful approach, Hey America! traces the evolution of sixties soul music from its marginalized beginnings to its eventual mainstream acceptance. The book culminates in the rise of urban hip-hop and the pivotal confrontation between Donald Trump and the Black Lives Matter movement, offering a profound reflection on the enduring influence of music in American society.