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Carlton Reese Memorial Unity Choir
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"Soundtrack for a Revolution" American Experience tells the story of the American civil rights movement through its powerful music -- the songs protesters sang on picket lines, in mass gatherings, in police wagons, and in jail cells as they fought for justice and equality.

The film features riveting archival footage, interviews with civil rights foot soldiers and leaders and performances by artists including John Legend, Joss Stone, Wyclef Jean, and The Roots. Those interviewed include Congressman John Lewis, Harry Belafonte, Julian Bond, Andrew Young and others.

"Soundtrack for a Revolution" celebrates the vitality of the freedom songs and explores how these simple but stirring anthems had the power to sustain the movement during its darkest hours. "Soundtrack for a Revolution" American Experience premieres Monday, May 9 at 8:00 p.m. on KUED Channel 7.

The freedom songs that propelled the civil rights movement evolved from slave chants, from the labor movement, and particularly from Black churches. The songs enabled Blacks to sing words they could not say, and were crucial in helping activists as they faced down brutal aggression with dignity and non-violence. Soundtrack for Revolution weaves together contemporary performances of such timeless songs as "Eyes on the Prize," "Wade in the Water," and "We Shall Overcome," with heart-wrenching interviews and dramatic footage from the front lines of the fight for freedom.

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