The civil rights movement of the 1950s and ‘60s, under the leadership of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., was a time of great social change when African-Americans banded together in an effort to achieve equal rights through non-violent demonstrations.

They were met with brutal hostility from the white community, but they never lost sight of their goals as long as they were singing.

Soundtrack for a Revolution seeks to tell the oft-bloody story of marches and protests through the emotionally-charged songs musicians and protestors would sing. Writer/directors Guttentag and Sturman interview several key players involved in the movement, who relate both the joys and sorrows experienced during their march to freedom.

What sets Soundtrack apart from other Civil Rights era documentaries is the directors’ decision to include updated interpretations of these powerful songs by some of today’s leading R&B-soul artists, including John Legend and The Roots.

These performances, coupled with archival footage from the time period, effectively bring the stories of the African-American struggle into the 21st century. 

The film ends with a shot of U.S. President Barack Obama taking the oath of office, essentially reinforcing the gigantic leaps and bounds made by the African-American people in the 60-odd years since the movement began.

While the documentary itself may not necessarily provide many new insights into the movement, the music within is a big drawing point for both civil rights buffs and newcomers alike.

Published in Volume 64, Number 27 of The Uniter (June 30, 2010)