🌟 Listening for Justice: A Playlist for MLK Day

Songs for reflection and resolve

March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, 1963. National Archives.

For Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I put together a playlist meant for listening — not multitasking. It moves from spiritual roots to collective action to quiet resolve. About 75 minutes. No filler.

Streaming on Tidal

1. Precious Lord, Take My Hand – Mahalia Jackson

2. If I Had a Hammer – Peter, Paul & Mary

3. Blowin’ in the Wind – Bob Dylan

4. People Get Ready – The Impressions

5. A Change Is Gonna Come – Sam Cooke

6. We Shall Not Be Moved – Mavis Staples

7. Keep Your Eyes on the Prize – Pete Seeger

8. The Times They Are A-Changin’ – Bob Dylan

9. Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud – James Brown

10. Respect – Aretha Franklin

11. What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye

12. Compared to What – Les McCann & Eddie Harris

13. Abraham, Martin and John – Dion

14. Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around – The Freedom Singers

15. Spiritual Trilogy/Oh Freedom/Come and Go With Me/I’m on My Way - Odetta

16. People Have the Power - Patti Smith

17. Freedom – Beyoncé feat. Kendrick Lamar

18. Lift Every Voice and Sing - Andra Day

19. This Little Light of Mine – The Staple Singers

20. Someday We’ll All Be Free – Donny Hathaway

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