Bruce Springsteen explains why “music and politics have always been intertwined”
Bruce Springsteen says music and politics have long been connected because rock and hip hop express freedom. In a new interview, he explained that he uses his platform to prompt people to consider their responsibilities to their communities and country, against the backdrop of his public criticism of Donald Trump.
Springsteen recalled first voting in 1972 and playing benefit shows for anti-Vietnam War demonstrators as a local musician. He said political engagement by artists was expected when he grew up in the 1960s, while adding that artists need not all be explicitly political. He cited Elvis Presley, James Brown and Curtis Mayfield as musicians who could change the world through their work and presence.
In short
- Springsteen says music and politics have long been intertwined.
- He first voted in 1972 and played anti-war benefits.
- He says artists can influence society without explicit politics.
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The case for
Springsteen’s view is that music rooted in freedom can naturally engage with public life, and that artists may use their reach to encourage people to think about their responsibilities to one another and their country. His early experience of voting and playing benefit shows supports the idea that political involvement has long been part of some musicians’ work, even when it is not expressed through explicit political messages.
The case against
A thoughtful counterview is that music can express freedom and affect society without artists taking on an overt political role, and that listeners may value music as a space apart from partisan debate. Springsteen himself recognises that artists need not all be explicitly political; performers such as those he cites can have cultural influence through their work and presence alone.
Explained simply
Bruce Springsteen is an American singer and songwriter whose career began in the 1970s. He grew up during the Vietnam War and the social changes of the 1960s, when some musicians performed at political events and benefit shows.
Artists can influence public debate through their songs, performances and public profiles, though they do not all take an openly political role. Springsteen’s comments connect that tradition with his own public criticism of Donald Trump and his view that citizens have responsibilities to their communities and country.