In 1964 the Civil Rights movement was gaining momentum. In California a measure was introduced in the 1964 election over the issue of Civil Rights and Segregation in housing. It was a ballot measure many in California were against. It proposed the notion of not selling or renting to anyone of color – loosely translated: African-Americans. It was an attempt to make segregation public policy. To combat this resistance to change, organizers rented out the Hollywood Bowl in order to fundraise for the No on 14 Campaign – the initiative known as “The Rumford Fair Housing Initiative”. Two rallies were held; one featuring some of the most notable figures in Pop and Folk Music in 1964 – the other featuring prominent Hollywood Entertainers of the time. Both were geared towards defeating a proposition many felt was unfair and a smack in the face against Integration by making it legal to deny housing.
This concert features notable figures in Pop and Folk music of the time; Pete Seeger, Joe & Eddie, Joan Baez, The Dillards, The Modern Folk Quartet and many others. The event last over three hours and it’s captured here (all but the last five minutes when the tape ran out) for posterity and promptly lost for some 30 years.
How it coincides with our current state of protests – in 1964 it was about Civil Rights – in 2025 it’s about, not only Civil Rights but Human Rights and the increased threat of authoritarian rule in America. The spirit is the same – making voices of protest heard – speaking out, standing up -preventing what people know as evil to become matter-of-fact.
So, it’s protesting as it’s always been – peaceful and in solidarity; a chorus of voices rising up and making a stand. America has always been like that.
It’s fair to say about 90% of the artists playing in this concert aren’t familiar to most of you – we’re talking 61 years ago. Most of the performers are no longer with us. What’s timeless is the spirit – the conviction and the dedication to do the right thing – to use music as an avenue of solidarity and change; to bring people together no matter what political fence they are on.
We’re all human – we’re all here – we’re all part of America – we’re all trying to get by and live peaceful, harmonious lives.
Kind of simple, really.
Here is that concert, as it happened one night at The Hollywood Bowl – you get to hear it.
