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Gene Ammons - House Warmin'

As these events in the civil rights movement focused America’s attention on the moral contradictions and social inequity within society, R&B artists and songwriters increasingly began to address issues that went beyond interpersonal relations and group camaraderie... It was followed by songs that overtly related to the civil rights, ethnic consciousness, and anti war movements. 

As R&B in this period was associated increasingly with the civil rights movement, record executives at both Motown and Stax would produce artists and undertake initiatives that explicitly reflected their commitment to African American community empowerment. In 1968, for example, Stax signed the Staple Singers, whose music grew out of performances in Chicago area churches and enjoyed crossover gospel to R&B success with their protest and message oriented repertoire... In 1970 Motown launched its spoken word Black Forum label... In 1972 Stax artists participated at an event in South Los Angeles, Wattstax, from which the proceeds were donated to local African American community causes.


Gene Ammons - House Warmin'
  • Recorded in: New York City
  • Released in: May 1962
  • Produced by: George Wein

"Son of the great boogie woogie pianist Albert Ammons, Gene Ammons, who was nicknamed Jug, left Chicago at age 18 to work with King Kolax's band."

See previous Song of the Day 

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Location: United States

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