Martin Luther King

20th Century

American Baptist minister and activist who became the most visible spokesperson and leader in the civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968.

Martin Luther King's Playlist: Dream in Sound

A soundtrack of hope, struggle, and unity—songs that echo MLK's dream and activism.

Soul Jazz Hip-hop Others

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Tracks

#	Title	Artist	Genre	Links
1	A Change Is Gonna Come	Sam Cooke	Soul	Play
The unofficial anthem of the civil rights movement—hope and pain woven into one.
2	Glory	Common & John Legend	Hip-hop/Soul	Play
Written for Selma, it captures both the dream and the cost of the fight for equality.
3	Redemption Song	Bob Marley	Reggae	Play
A spiritual call for mental emancipation and justice, echoing King’s voice.
4	What's Going On	Marvin Gaye	Soul	Play
A plea for understanding, peace, and compassion—MLK would deeply resonate with its message.
5	I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free	Nina Simone	Jazz	Play
Reflects the yearning for liberation, both literal and emotional.
6	This Is America	Childish Gambino	Hip-hop	Play
A critical, artistic portrayal of racial tensions—MLK would see this as a powerful lens on current struggles.
7	Freedom	Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar	Hip-hop/Soul	Play
A raw, gospel-infused declaration of resilience and resistance.
8	Strange Fruit	Billie Holiday	Jazz	Play
A haunting and uncompromising confrontation of racial violence.
9	Alright	Kendrick Lamar	Hip-hop	Play
A modern protest anthem—uplifting and rooted in collective endurance.
10	One Love	Bob Marley	Reggae	Play
A unifying message of hope, community, and peace—core MLK principles.
11	Lean on Me	Bill Withers	Soul	Play
A testament to compassion and mutual support—MLK’s method and message.
12	Imagine	John Lennon	Pop	Play
An anthem of peaceful idealism—exactly in line with King's vision.
13	Say It Loud – I'm Black and I'm Proud	James Brown	Funk	Play
Empowerment through pride and voice—MLK would recognize the cultural power here.
14	Rise Up	Andra Day	Soul	Play
A modern hymn of determination in the face of adversity.
15	Man in the Mirror	Michael Jackson	Pop	Play
Personal responsibility as a step toward societal change—aligned with MLK's teachings.
16	To Be Young, Gifted and Black	Nina Simone	Jazz	Play
A celebration of Black identity and promise—uplifting the future.
17	Jesus Walks	Kanye West	Hip-hop/Gospel	Play
MLK, a minister, would connect to the idea of faith in struggle, especially in youth culture.
18	People Get Ready	The Impressions	Soul	Play
A classic civil rights spiritual—hope in movement.
19	Lift Every Voice and Sing	Beyoncé	Hymn/Soul	Play
Often called the 'Black National Anthem'—King would hold it close.
20	Fight the Power	Public Enemy	Hip-hop	Play
A call to stand up against institutional racism—bold and fiery, yet on message.
21	Beautiful Day	U2	Rock	Play
A song of optimism and renewal, grounded in action.
22	We Shall Overcome	Mahalia Jackson	Gospel	Play
MLK's spiritual sister and closest musical companion—this was their shared anthem.
23	The Revolution Will Not Be Televised	Gil Scott-Heron	Spoken Word/Jazz-Funk	Play
A reminder that real change is lived, not passively consumed.
24	Bridge Over Troubled Water	Simon & Garfunkel	Folk	Play
Compassion and support during times of struggle—reflective of MLK’s leadership style.
25	Love's in Need of Love Today	Stevie Wonder	Soul	Play
A quiet plea for kindness and healing—timeless in its urgency.

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