Neil Young, Donald Trump and the politics of campaign songs
It's fair to say Neil Young didn't have Republican tycoons in mind when he penned his classic Rockin' in the Free World. After Donald Trump blasted the classic song as part of his presidential campaign launch this week, the Canadian musical icon and activist expressed his displeasure. Trump dropped the tune.
Against this backdrop, reformed music critic Abby Johnston joins Shad to discuss her extensive binge on campaign songs, the politics of choosing an anthem, and the new crop of tracks written for — and sometimes by — U.S. presidential candidates.
WEB EXTRA | Here are some notable campaign songs, as mentioned in the broadcast. Which is the most effective, in your view?
Tom Petty + the Heartbreakers, Won't Back Down — used by George W. in 2000, but Petty asked him to stop!
Frank Sinatra, High Hopes — this was JFK's song, kind of the first modern campaign song in a way.
Patsy Cline, Crazy — Ross Perot used this song to mock his critics, who called his third party campaign "crazy"
ABBA, Take a Chance on Me — This was John McCain's song, also kind of strange given that everyone was concerned about his unproven running mate, Sarah Palin.
Judy Garland, I'm Just Wild About Harry — this became a huge hit, but it was originally a campaign song for Harry Truman in the 30s.