1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything Season 1 Episode 4 Our Time Is Now

Set against the backdrop of the political and social turmoil of 1971, the fourth episode of 1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything, titled "Our Time Is Now," showcases how music became a voice of resistance and revolution. The episode takes a deep dive into the role of music in the Black Power movement and how it fuelled the push for civil rights.

The episode starts with The Last Poets performing their signature track "When The Revolution Comes." As the track builds, we are introduced to the Black Power movement and the role music played in it. The episode features interviews with various activists, musicians, and scholars who shed light on how music became an integral part of the movement.

Through interviews with members of The Black Panthers, The Last Poets, and activist Angela Davis, the episode reveals how music was used to amplify the message of the movement. The Last Poets' Jalal Mansur Nuriddin speaks about how the group's music was inspired by the teachings of Malcolm X and how they aimed to educate people about their history and culture through their music.

The episode also examines the role of Marvin Gaye's music in the Black Power movement, particularly his legendary album "What's Going On." Through archival footage of Gaye's performances, interviews with his collaborators, and music critics, the episode examines how the themes of the album resonate with the Black Power movement.

The episode also features interviews with other artists who were making music that resonated with the Black Power movement. Soul singer Gil Scott-Heron talks about his spoken-word pieces that highlighted issues of racial and social injustice. His song "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" became an anthem for the movement.

The episode also sheds light on how music was used to foster a sense of community and uplift spirits in the Black Power movement. The Sweet Honey in the Rock, a women's a cappella ensemble, performed soulful and uplifting music that became an important part of Black Power rallies and gatherings.

Further, the episode also explores how music provided a platform for women to voice their grievances and become leaders in the Black Power movement. Women such as Elaine Brown and Angela Davis, who were both members of the Black Panthers, talk about the role of music in empowering women and providing them with a means to challenge gender-based discrimination.

As the episode draws to a close, we see how music continued to evolve as a means of social and political commentary in the Black Power movement. The episode highlights how poetry, spoken-word performances, and fusion music emerged as new forms of expression that continued to fuel the movement.

Overall, "Our Time Is Now" provides a captivating look at how music became an integral part of the Black Power movement of the 70s. Through interviews with key figures and archival footage, the episode offers a fascinating glimpse into how music was used as a tool to fight for civil rights and social justice.