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Composed for the recent film Selma, Common and John Legend combined their talents to promote the message of MLK, using a gospel-inspired chorus. A fitting tribute to King.
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This was the first song written after King's death, performed only a few days later. It kickstarted a wave of similar songs. Some focused on King's life, others his message, and decades later, songs about him would be linked to whatever inequalities are still being fought today.
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MLK's assassination was shortly followed by Robert Kennedy's, making 1968 a very difficult year. For Elvis's end of the year special, it was rightfully decided that something should replace the standard Christmas fare. And so, this powerful tribute to the year's fallen brethren was written.
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One of the Beatles' best songs, "Blackbird" was written with the Civil Rights movement in mind.
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This song was more in tune with the standard call-to-action songs of the '60s. Apparently, after the events of 1968, the Rascals refused to perform at any event where African-Americans weren't also on the billing.
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For years after his death, people demanded that MLK's birthday become a national holiday. It wasn't until 1983 when Reagan finally officially signed the holiday into existence. Wonder wrote this song as a rhetorical plea advocating the change and fortunately he got his wish soon after.
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U2 treated MLK as one of their idols and created The Unforgettable Fire album with him in mind, creating a few songs as tribute to the man. "Pride" became one of their signature tunes that they still perform to this day.
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After the Rodney King incident of 1991 and the following riots, Ben Harper drew similarities between the two Kings in this song.
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A cover of an Afrika Bambaataa tribute to history's greatest renegades, Rage Against the Machine lent their signature style and antiestablishment anger to this song.
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This alternative country group paints a dreamlike scenario in which MLK lives on in heaven, overseeing the plights that continue to plague the world.
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Years later, we still need to be reminded of the tragedies of the past to avoid the tragedies of tomorrow. This song has a simple message to never forget the past.
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This instrumental club mix features King's words to paint an optimistic look at the future.
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While it may seem tacky autotuning King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech, the Gregory Brothers at least showed restraint. They used their skills not to make a funny mockery of the truth, but to add rhythm and power to King's words.
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