Soundtracks: Songs That Defined History
This eight-part CNN Original Series explores the music tied to iconic moments in history, from the March on Washington to the riots at Stonewall, to the moon landing to Hurricane Katrina.
- 2017-2017
- 1 season
- CNN
- Documentary, Music
This eight-part CNN Original Series explores the music tied to iconic moments in history, from the March on Washington to the riots at Stonewall, to the moon landing to Hurricane Katrina.
Season 1 Episode Guide
8 Episodes 2017
Episode 1
The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Mon, Nov 20, 2017 42 mins
Exploring the music that kept the spirit of the civil rights movement alive following Martin Luther King Jr.'s death.
Episode 2
September 11th
Mon, Nov 20, 2017 42 mins
Following the terrorist attacks on September 11th, songs like Billy Joel's "New York State of Mind" took on a new and heightened meaning and politically charged country music took center stage.
Episode 3
Kent State and the Vietnam War
Mon, Nov 20, 2017 42 mins
Following the killings of four Kent State University students during anti-Vietnam War protests, politically driven songs from Neil Young, Buffalo Springfield and others became popular.
Episode 4
Hurricane Katrina
Mon, Nov 20, 2017 42 mins
Following Hurricane Katrina, international artists from U2 to Kanye West joined New Orleans musicians in benefit concerts to help ensure the city's rich traditions survived.
Episode 5
The Berlin Wall and the Fall of Communism
Mon, Nov 20, 2017 42 mins
Charting the course of the Cold War in Berlin through music revealing how it helped to sow the seeds of rebellion.
Episode 6
Space Race
Mon, Nov 20, 2017 42 mins
Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin's moonwalk inspired musicians from David Bowie and the Byrds to Parliament-Funkadelic and Sun Ra to imagine a cosmic future for mankind.
Episode 7
Battle of the Sexes
Mon, Nov 20, 2017 42 mins
Billie Jean King's win against Bobby Riggs in their famous tennis match was a galvanizing moment for the women's movement and ushered in music that delivered messages of female empowerment.
Episode 8
Out, Loud & Proud
Mon, Nov 20, 2017 42 mins
Tracking the beginning of the gay rights movement in America following the riots at Stonewall Inn and how music has played a vital role in celebrating and preaching tolerance of the LGBT community.