1960. Black America’s struggle for civil rights reaches critical mass. In February, anti-segregationist lunch counter sit-ins began in Greensboro, North Carolina. Rallies and marches spread across the country like a brushfire, with Black and white musicians, dramatists, and visual artists adding their voices to the Movement. The question was no longer if a change was gonna come, but when. 
Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Max Roach, Art Blakey, and many others declared public support for the Movement. Black musicians were also keenly aware of the growing wave of African independence. Pride swelled, and new compositions were titled with the names of these new nations.
One jazzman in particular became strongly involved in both American integration and African autonomy, as events affected the content and direction of a composition begun a year prior. Max Roach’s “Freedom Now Suite” featured a shifting cast of players. Three of the five movements – “Driva’ Man,” “Freedom Day,” and “All Africa” – feature lyrics by Oscar Brown, sung by Abbey Lincoln. Nigerian conguero Michael Olatunji accentuates Brown’s deep, eloquent poetry and Lincoln’s assertive, uncompromising delivery. The result is a poignant statement that echoes still today.
“Soundtrack to the Struggle” is hosted by Hollis Monroe. Produced by Ron Adkins. Executive Producer is Dennis Green.
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