From the drum corps of the Revolutionary age to the protest music of the 1960’s, music has always been intertwined with war. During the fierce conflict in Sarajevo in the early 1990’s, cellist Vedran Smailovic visited different bombing sites and graveyards every day to offer “a daily music prayer for peace.” In the days following the September 11th attacks, Lee Greenwood suddenly found his career resurrected, as patriotic Americans turned to their radios to find solace in his “God Bless the USA.” What is it about music that gives us comfort during uncertain times? What songs have Americans been turning to in this current crisis? This hour: music’s power in times of crisis.

Guests:

Jim Musselman, founder of Appleseed Recordings, a record company who’s goal is social and political change through music;
Jeff Mayfield, Director of Charts at Billboard magazine