We All Want to Change the World: Rock and Politics from Elvis to Eminem

By Tom Waldman

We All Want to Change the World provides a cogent and fascinating evaluation of post-World War II American commercial music and its complex, multi-faceted impact on the world of politics. Tom Waldman offers articulate and compulsively readable insights into such issues as: John Lennon and Yoko Ono's fiercely political period and its decidedly mixed effect on both of their careers and the causes they championed; the violence that erupted over the Sex Pistols' performance of "God Save the Queen" at Her Majesty's Silver Jubilee; Ronald Reagan's misinterpretation of "Born in the USA"; popular song and feminism and gender issues in the political sphere; the recent trend of rock tunes being reworked as campaign songs, such as Fleetwood Mac's "Don't Stop," and Sam and Dave's "Dole Man"; and much more. There is also extensive commentary on the events of September 11th, when many of the biggest names in the history of rock music took part in two benefits to raise money for the victims' families and to lift the spirits of the country.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1589790197
• ISBN13: 9781589790193
• Release Date: September 2003
• Publisher: Taylor Trade Publishing
• Length: 316 Pages
• Weight: 1.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.1" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

An astutely researched history and a seminal study

We All Want To Change The World is an original look by author and journalist Tom Waldman at the unique interplay between rock-n-roll music and American politics over the past 50 years, ranging from rock's involvement in the Vietnam antiwar movement, to modern day rock utilized as a electorial tool by politicians. An astutely researched history and a seminal study, Waldman draws from his experiences as a press secretary in service to California Congresswoman Howard Berman from 1992 to 1999, as well as his own independent and original research. We All Want To Change The World is unusual and very highly recommended reading for non-specialist general readers with an interest in learning about the social (and political!) history of rock music in American history and culture.