MLK Song

Album: Livin' on a High Note (2016)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This tribute to Martin Luther King was written by Livin' on a High Note producer M. Ward. The recording of it was an emotional experience for Mavis Staples. She recalled to Uncut: "I got so wrapped up in that I almost didn't finish it. The first time I choked up and started to cry, as I could see Dr. Martin Luther King as I was singing. It just hit me and I almost broke down. But I held it together and I finished, and then I broke down: you have to take your heart into the studio."
  • The Staple Singers were very much involved in the Civil Rights movement. Mavis Staples recalled their time with Martin Luther King to Mojo: "He was a great man and I cherish the time we had with him. Pops said, 'If he can preach it, we can sing it.' Pops then wrote Freedom Highway and we joined the movement.

    When we sang, we thought we could change the world. When we marched with Dr. King and sung 'Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me 'Round,' we felt so very positive. Dr. King was a very serious man, but when he laughed, which he didn't do often, it felt so very good to hear."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Allen Toussaint - "Southern Nights"

Allen Toussaint - "Southern Nights"They're Playing My Song

A song he wrote and recorded from "sheer spiritual inspiration," Allen's didn't think "Southern Nights" had hit potential until Glen Campbell took it to #1 two years later.

Philip Cody

Philip CodySongwriter Interviews

A talented lyricist, Philip helped revive Neil Sedaka's career with the words to "Laughter In The Rain" and "Bad Blood."

Which Restaurants Are Most Mentioned In Song Lyrics?

Which Restaurants Are Most Mentioned In Song Lyrics?Song Writing

Katy Perry mentions McDonald's, Beyoncé calls out Red Lobster, and Supertramp shouts out Taco Bell - we found the 10 restaurants most often mentioned in songs.

Name the Character in the Song

Name the Character in the SongMusic Quiz

With a few clues (Works at a diner, dreams of running away), can you name the character in the song?

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside Story

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside StorySong Writing

The in-depth discussion about the making of Jesus Christ Superstar with Ted Neeley, who played Jesus in the 1973 film.

Little Richard

Little RichardFact or Fiction

Was Long Tall Sally a cross-dresser? Did he really set his piano on fire? See if you know the real stories about one of rock's greatest innovators.