What happened to music’s peace movement?  Here’s a 40-song playlist from the best era to do it. 

(July 31, 2023). There was a time when music purporting to promote solidarity actually did that.

The song currently threatening to take over the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 is a tune that has sparked controversy because, rightly or wrongly, critics—including yours truly—have interpreted it as a violence-provoking double-dog-dare disguised as an ode to small town unity and values.

But that song’s polarizing nature and its delayed but undeniable success prompted this blogger to ponder: whatever happened to music’s peace movement…you know, that era when you were far more likely to hear songs stumping for peace than you were those promoting retribution and violence?

Music’s message is often a reflection of the times, and the peace movement has had its ups and downs over the years, with its peak occurring during the late 1960s and early 1970s when many artists used their music to advocate for non-violence, civil rights, and social justice. 

Between 1967 and 1973, it was very normal for songs about world peace, love for humanity and just plain getting along with one another to dominate American radio and the Billboard charts.

Consider No. 1 hits like “Love Train” by the O’Jays and “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)” by George Harrison, both of which topped the pop charts in 1973, or John Lennon’s 1971 classic “Imagine,” long considered one of the most poignant calls for peace in pop music history.

Those songs were just the tip of the iceberg when it came to popular artists using the war-and-protest-riddled headlines of the day to inspire some of the greatest peace-seeking music of all time.

While the intensity of the peace movement has waned in subsequent decades, music continues to be a powerful medium for promoting harmony and addressing societal issues.

Yet today, 50 years after the earlier movement’s peak—in times that are arguably more divided culturally and politically than they were a half-century ago—you’re much more likely to hear songs about toxic relationships than one lobbying for peace on contemporary hit radio.

Whereas the tail end of the 1960s and the beginning of the 1970s seemed to hold promise for a more peaceful existence among mankind, even if the songs were mostly idealistic in nature, the early 2020s hold little of that promise.

Djrobblog thought it would be great to go back to a time when we, perhaps naively, thought that music could save the world.  It was an era where romantic love wasn’t the only kind to inspire a good lyric and stoke one’s emotions.

There was also love of humanity.  Brotherly love.  Sisterly love.  Love of your fellow man. Worldly love.  Spiritual love. 

All in the name of peace.

Check out the following list of some of the greatest “peace” songs of an era—in alphabetical order by title—followed by a Spotify playlist (if you can stand it) containing these tunes.

“Abraham, Martin & John” – Dion (1968)

A 1960s rock eulogy for four of the greatest freedom fighters and martyrs for peace there ever were: Abraham Lincoln, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and John F. Kennedy (Robert F. Kennedy, Sr. was also included, just not titularly).  

“All You Need Is Love” – Beatles (1967)

John Lennon was one of the two most spiritual Beatles (the other being George Harrison). Lennon’s belief that love was all we need was simple, yet poignant (and appropriate for the 1967 summer of love).  It made this song the Beatles’ 14th No. 1 hit (of 20).

“Black and White” – Three Dog Night (1972)

In the early 1970s, the case for diversity and inclusion mostly meant Blacks and Whites living together in harmony.  It’s much deeper and more expansive than that now, but Three Dog Night’s last No. 1 single essentially captured the simplicity of racial harmony for the times…even if the metaphors are kinda goofy in retrospect (“the ink is black, the page is white…together we learn to read and write”).

“Blowin’ In The Wind” – Bob Dylan (1963)

Musically speaking, the lines between protest and peace and calls for racial freedom are often blurry, with many believing there can be no peace without freedom, which often isn’t achieved without protest.  Bob Dylan’s signature protest song, whose rhetorical lyrical questions have made it a revolutionary anthem, is included here for that reason. 

“Bring The Boys Home” – Freda Payne (1971)

Almost any anti-war song is, by definition, a peace song.  While the purpose of this list was to focus more on peace than protest, a few Vietnam War-inspired tunes managed to make this list, including this urgent plea from Freda (“Band of Gold”) Payne in 1971.

“Everything Is Beautiful” – Ray Stevens (1970)

How Is It possible that a singer better known for his novelty could come up with this peace anthem that almost evokes a tear every time I hear it?  Maybe it’s the opening lines by the children’s choir, or the simple melody that buoys the adult background singers later in the choruses.  Or maybe it’s Stevens’ simple message of love.  

“For What It’s Worth (Stop, Hey What’s That Sound)” – Buffalo Springfield (1967)

Theres something happening here…it’s the year of love (1967) and protest.  Stephen Stills actually wrote this in 1966 for his group Buffalo Springfield in support of the ongoing civil rights movement, and watched it climb into the Billboard top 10 in Spring 1967. 

“Friendship Train” – Gladys Knight & the Pips (1969)

Motown was getting into the act (albeit late) with socially conscious songs by the Temptations and, less conspicuously, Gladys Knight & the Pips (before that foursome left to join Buddah Records).  The latter group’s “Friendship Train” preceded the two more popular locomotive-titled hits by Cat Stevens and the O’Jays, and got us rolling down the peace movement’s tracks before the ‘60s ended.  

“Fussin’ and Fightin’” – Bob Marley (1971)

Rastafarian purveyor of peace Bob Marley could populate a whole playlist on this subject alone, but we limited his contribution to just a couple of key numbers, including this take from his 1971 Soul Revolution album.  

“Get Together” – Youngbloods (1967/1969)

“C’mon people now, smile on your brother, everybody get together, learn to love one another right now.”  This Youngbloods classic got a second wind two years after its original release, prompting it to go from a No. 62-peaking dud during the 1967 summer of love to a No. 5 smash during the 1969 summer of, well, more love.  

“Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)” – George Harrison (1973)

The wistful, slide-guitar infused melody of this No. 1 classic—the second of three from ex-Beatle George Harrison—suggests that the peace he sought was elusive.  When this song was written, George had dedicated himself to assisting refugees of the Bangladesh Liberation War, by staging two all-star benefit concerts in New York and preparing a live album and concert film for release. It coincided with the height of Harrison’s devotion to Hindu spirituality. “Give Me Love” is my personal favorite song from any of the ex-Beatles, and that’s saying a helluva lot. 

“Give Peace a Chance” – Plastic Ono Band (1969)

John Lennon, who along with wife Yoko Ono performed this as part of a “bed-in” for peace in 1969, is responsible for three songs on this list, one more than George Harrison—the only other Beatle represented.  And that’s despite Paul McCartney’s late entry from 1983’s Pipes of Peace album—the title track—which didn’t make the cut.  

“I Believe In Music” – Mac Davis (1970)

As I stated in the intro for this article, there was a profound belief during the late 1960s and early ‘70s that music was the solution to all our problems, and that idealistic belief was no better illustrated than in this signature classic by singer/songwriter Mac Davis.  Not a big chart hit but one he often closed all his shows with, and fittingly so. 

“I Wish You Peace” – Eagles (1975)

From their One of These Nights album came this closer from the pen of group member Bernie Leadon and his then-girlfriend Patti Davis, daughter of future president Ronald Reagan.  Don Henley has since disparaged the song, calling it “smarmy cocktail music and not something the Eagles are proud of.”  Leadon left the group after the album’s release. 

“I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing” – New Seekers (1971)

If you’d like to buy the world a Coke, I’d like to teach the world to sing.  Folks of a certain age will get that reference.  The New Seekers made “Sing” one of the first songs to emerge from a commercial jingle and become a top-10 hit, which it did in 1971.

“I’d Love To Change The World” – Ten Years After (1971)

This song addresses many of the ills of society with its references to taxing the rich and feeding the poor, world pollution, homophobia, out-of-control population growth and, ultimately the Vietnam War.  With all that heaviness, it’s no surprise it only peaked at No. 40 on the Billboard Hot 100, although its classic status significantly exceeds its chart performance. 

“I’ll Take You There” – Staple Singers (1972)

Like Bob Marley, the Staple Singers could field a whole playlist of songs about peace, harmony, and community uplift.  Their catalog of peace-themed tracks include “Touch A Hand, Make A Friend,” “We The People,” “Love Comes In All Colors,” and more. Their biggest was this No. 1 smash that referenced politicians (“smiling faces lying to the races”) and spoke of a utopian existence that would be a recurring theme in their music at the time.  

“If You’re Ready (Come Go With Me)” – Staple Singers (1973)

Speaking of that ideal existence, the Staples reiterated the themes of “I’ll Take You There” with this less successful but still solid, million-selling No. 1 soul/ No. 8 pop hit from 1973.  With a simple, but rousing refrain, I view ”If You’re Ready” as one of the Staples’ best tunes.  

“Imagine” – John Lennon (1971)

No peace playlist is complete without this 1971 entry from John Lennon.  It has been the standard against which most such songs of that era are judged, whether rightfully or wrongly so.  One of modern music’s greatest folk singers, Joan Baez, also recorded a version in 1971 (which I’ve also included in the Spotify playlist linked below).

Join Together – The Who? (1972)

The Who’s case for being one of the three greatest rock bands of all time could easily be made with just this song alone. Q: Who opens with a jaw harp (or two) before settling in with a harmonica as the keyboards, bass and drum all kick in, and then pulls it all off with this much aplomb?  A: The Who, that’s who. Also, is it me, or did Pete Townsend borrow from his opening harmonica riff in this song to create his 1985 solo hit “Face The Face”?

Joy To The World – Three Dog Night (1971)

Many Three Dog Night fans would likely be content if they never heard this No. 1 smash—the biggest single of 1971–again.  But it is also the group’s biggest hit, it mentions a bullfrog (likely the only No. 1 hit to ever do so), and it is about peace, so it easily makes the cut. 

“Lay Down (Candles In The Rain)” – Melanie & the Edwin Hawkins Singers (1970)

Singer/songwriter Melanie Safka was so moved by her experience of performing at Woodstock in 1969, she wrote a song about it.  You haven’t lived until you’ve heard the full 7:39 version, which features Melanie and the Edwin Hawkins singers vamping over the song’s hook in full church revival mode.  Sublime!

“Love Train” – O’Jays (1972)

People all over the world jumped aboard this train, interestingly the third single released from their 1972 Back Stabbers LP, after “992 Arguments” and the title track.  Their first and only No. 1 on the American pop chart, “Love Train” appealed to people in Russia, China, Egypt and Israel for world peace.  A reworking in 2023 might have us looking more inward.  

“One Love” – Bob Marley & The Wailers (1965/1977)

This tune is viewed as one of Marley’s most successful and certainly most popular tracks.  As ubiquitous as it’s been in pop culture, it’s hard to believe the words “one love, one heart, let’s join together and feel alright” were penned nearly 60 years ago!

“Peace Train” – Yusuf/Cat Stevens (1971)

Is it now considered “woke” to refer to Yusuf by his Islamic mononym?  Or is it viewed as a form of “hate” to refuse to let go of his first stage name Cat Stevens?  Either way, the fact that we’re even asking these questions in 2023 means we haven’t heeded the messages that Yusuf and so many others delivered half a century ago.  This classic yearning for a peaceful solution to the day’s issues became the British hitmaker’s first top-10 hit in November 1971.

“People Get Ready” – Impressions (1965)

Before Gladys Knight, Yusuf (Cat Stevens) and the O’Jays incorporated metaphorical trains in their songs of peace, The Impressions, led by Curtis Mayfield, challenged our readiness to board the train and fight the good fight.  Coming at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, “People Get Ready” was dubbed its unofficial anthem by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. himself.

“Put a Little Love In Your Heart” – Jackie DeShannon (1969)

While “What The World Needs Now” is regarded as Jackie DeShannon’s signature song, this similarly themed tune about love for your fellow man eclipsed it on the charts, peaking at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 (vs. No. 7 for “What the World Needs Now”).  This song was famously remade into a top-10 hit for Annie Lennox and Al Green in 1988.

“Put Your Hand In the Hand” – Ocean (1971)

Popular around the time that “God Rock” was a thing, this song is arguably more about the gospel than it is peace, but who says the two had to be mutually exclusive?  This was one of two “peaceful” songs on this list that were blocked at No. 2 by Three Dog Night’s massive No. 1 smash “Joy To The World.”  The other is Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” (below).

“Reach Out And Touch (Somebody’s Hand)” – Diana Ross (1970)

Diana Ross has had many bigger hits than “Reach Out and Touch,” which was her first single release after leaving the Supremes in 1970.  But, until recently, “Reach Out” was always the signature tune she performed in concerts, where she’d gleefully get the crowd to participate in the performance while displaying an unmatched show of unity.  

“Ripple” – Grateful Dead (1970)

For many, this Grateful Dead classic has been viewed as an updating of the 23rd Psalm, with its references to “still water” and “if your cup be empty.”  That fact alone evokes thoughts of peace—even if it is inner peace—and reassurance.  My interpretation (and basis for inclusion here): for world humanity to exist, one has to begin with self.  A classic tune for all ages!

“Shambala” – Three Dog Night (1973)

There are likely as many spiritual and mythical meanings behind the word “Shambala” as there are spellings.  Still, Three Dog Night’s titular reference in their 1973 million-selling No. 3 hit is unmistakably about reaching personal enlightenment and inner (and external) peace by traveling to that mythical place, whatever and wherever it may be.  

“Star Spangled Banner” – Jimi Hendrix (1969)

Though it’s done as an instrumental, guitar god Jimi Hendrix’ take on “The Star Spangled Banner” is regarded by some as one of the greatest statements of peace in an era full of them.  Perhaps it’s because the lyrics are removed, and thereby so is some of the controversy surrounding them.  

“That’s the Way of The World” – Earth, Wind & Fire (1975)

Central to Earth, Wind & Fire’s themes of peace and spiritual enlightenment were elements of mysticism and self-affirmation.  Nowhere was that more true than on “That’s The Way Of The World,” the stellar classic from the No. 1 album (and flop motion picture) of the same name.  I’m sure if I dug deeper, I’d be able to add EWF to the list of acts with more than one song on this list (“Devotion” anyone?).

“United We Stand”- The Brotherhood of Man (1970)

The brotherhood of one man—lead singer Tony Burrows—was on full display in 1970 as he was a member of four different groups that year and all had songs charting around the same time (White Plains’ “My Baby Loves Lovin’,” Edison Lighthouse’s “Love Grows Where My Rosemary Goes,” and The Pipkins’ “Gimme Dat Ding” were the other three). This song’s original intent was a declaration of love between two lovers, but it has since been adopted as an anthem of peace and unity for many.

“Wake Up Everybody” – Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes (1975)

With Teddy Pendergrass providing lead vocals, the Philly International group Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes took this “woke” smash (long before that description became a political dividing line) to No. 1 soul (Billboard) in 1976 (and No. 12 on the Hot 100).  It isn’t so “woke” in the derogatory sense that some use the term today as much as it is a call for peace, knowledge and healing, more empathy and less apathy in the world.  

“We Got To Have Peace” – Curtis Mayfield (1971)

Curtis Mayfield is one of nine acts with more than one song on this list, along with the Beatles, Diana Ross, Jackie DeShannon, Bob Marley, the Staples Singers, Three Dog Night, John Lennon and George Harrison.  Few songs, however, express the urgency of the need for peace as eloquently as this one. 

“What The World Needs Now Is Love” – Jackie DeShannon (1965)

Peace and love go hand in hand, and—as Jackie DeShannon so eloquently puts it in this pop classic—love is not just needed for some, but for everyone.  A idealistic view perhaps, but with a simple premise: with that kind of abundance, world peace can easily be achieved. 

“What’s Going On” – Marvin Gaye (1971)

It’s nearly impossible to narrow Marvin Gaye’s incredible song catalog down to one signature tune.  How would you justify excluding iconic hits like “I Heard It Through The Grapevine,” “Let’s Get It On,” “Got To Give It Up” and “Sexual Healing” from contention?  That said, “What’s Going On” is probably Marvin Gaye’s signature tune, one that is as relevant today as it was 52 years ago when Motown reluctantly released it.

“While My Guitar Gently Weeps” – Beatles (1968)

George Harrison acknowledged his former bandmate John Lennon’s unmatched status as a “peace” hit maker in his posthumous 1981 tribute “All Those Years Ago,” but few Beatles’ classics—whether written by Lennon or McCartney—rank alongside this guitar great penned by Harrison, which he attributed to the “world’s unrealized potential for universal love.” The above video is from a tribute to George by a few of his friends after his 2001 passing.

“Why Can’t We Be Friends” – War (1975)

With exposed warts and all (standing in the welfare line, not speaking right, different skin color), the members of War had one simple question: why can’t we be friends?  This was a top-five pop smash in 1975, a couple years after the peak of the musical peace movement earlier in the decade, but a powerful statement nonetheless.  The music video above was cheesy perhaps, but it was ahead of its time and addressed some key social issues and stereotypes (particularly that “welfare line”) that still exist today.

“Why Can’t We Live Together” – Timmy Thomas (1972)

In 2015, Canadian rapper Drake took this classic plea for world peace and turned it (via sample) into a song about “Hotline Bling.”  But that doesn’t detract from Tommy Thomas’ original eloquent statement in 1972 deriding war and racism. Fifty-plus years later, we’re living together, we’re just not doing such a great job of it. 

“You Gotta Have Love In Your Heart” – Supremes & Four Tops (1971)

The year 1971 is easily the most represented on this list, with at least ten songs that were hits during that annum.  So pervasive was the peace movement that even Motown and two of its highest regarded acts got in the mix with this all-but-forgettable song from their joint album Return of the Magnificent Seven.  Lead vocals: Jean Terrell (Supremes) and Levi Stubbs (Four Tops).

That’s my list of 40 (actually 42) songs about peace from the era that did it best.  Can you think of others that should join this list?  

Feel free to comment in the section below or in any of the social media feeds where this article is posted.

Peace and love,

DJRob

DJRob (he/him/his), a flawed peace peddler himself, is a freelance music blogger from the East Coast who covers R&B, hip-hop, pop, rock and (sometimes) country genres – plus lots of music news and current stuff!  You can follow him on Twitter at @djrobblog and on Meta’s Threads.

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