Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me 'Round facts for kids
"Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me 'Round" is a famous freedom song. It comes from an old spiritual song called "Don't You Let Nobody Turn You Round". This song became a powerful anthem during the Civil Rights Movement in America. People sang it during protests and marches to show their strength and hope. The words of the song can be changed to fit different situations and places.
Contents
What is a Freedom Song?
Freedom songs like "Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me 'Round" were special. They were often based on old spirituals, which are religious songs. These songs helped people feel brave and united. They gave courage to those fighting for equal rights.
A Song for Change: The Civil Rights Movement
The song was sung a lot during the Civil Rights Movement. This was a time in American history when many people worked to end unfair treatment based on race. They wanted equal rights for all. The song was used in many demonstrations. One important time was during the Memphis sanitation worker strike in 1967. Workers in Memphis were on strike for better pay and working conditions. Singing this song helped them stay strong together.
Who Sang This Powerful Song?
Many artists and groups have performed "Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me 'Round."
- The group Sweet Honey in the Rock recorded their own version of the song.
- Jurnee Smollett sang it in the 1999 TV movie Selma, Lord, Selma. This film was about the historic marches in Selma, Alabama.
- Imani Uzuri performed the song as part of a lesson about freedom songs.
- The hip-hop group The Roots recorded the song. It was for the soundtrack of a 2009 movie called Soundtrack for a Revolution. This movie was about the Civil Rights Movement.
- Joan Baez, a famous folk singer, released a live version of the song. It was on her album From Every Stage in 1976.
Books About the Movement
The song's title also inspired a book. Richard A. Couto wrote a book called Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Round; The Pursuit of Racial Justice in the Rural South. This book tells stories about the fight for fairness in the southern United States.
See also
- Civil rights movement in popular culture
- Protest songs in the United States
