Description
Book SynopsisThis ethnography brings a unique contribution to the literature on arts in activism. In Song, Solidarity, and Struggle, Mark Abendroth focuses on the work of the New York City Labor Chorus during its twenty-fifth year and places it in historical context of singing in the nationâs labor movement.
Trade ReviewThis exciting work of oral history, research in written sources, and auto-ethnography captures the history and internal life of a venerable working class institution. Theoretically sophisticated and full of characters it reminds us of when the U.S. labor movement was one of the “singingest” in the world. It shows compellingly what would gained by making it that way again. -- David Roediger, co-editor of The Big Red Songbook, Chair of the American Studies Department at University of Kansas
Music sustains a movement. The communal singing of protest spirituals and freedom songs empowered the civil rights movement. And the continued performance of labor songs, both old and updated, is vital to the preservation of the union movement. In its 25 years, NY City Labor Chorus has been a significant force in encouraging and uplifting the message music of multiple movements. My personal thanks to Mark Abendroth for having the foresight to chronicle the journey of this essential organization, singing these equally priceless songs. -- Robert F. Darden, Baylor University
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction 1. A Brief History of Singing for Justice in the US Workplace 2. A History of the NYC Labor Chorus 3. Songs of the 25th-Anniversary Gala Concert 4. The 25th-Anniversary Year 5. Findings from Interviews 6. Final Discussion and Conclusions Bibliography Index About the Author
