Commemorating this year’s ‘International Day of Peace’ today’s program re-visits the era of the peace and anti-war movement of the late 60s and 70s. This was the era when popular song lyrics became the voices of protest for the first time in history. The era saw legends emerge like Bob Dylan (Masters Of War) and Joan Baez (We Shall Overcome) who became leaders in the peace movement. The era also produced great creativity in song writing of classic songs like Buffy Sainte Marie‘s ‘Universal Soldier” (sung here by Donovan) and Barry McGuire‘s rendition of ‘Eve Of Destruction’ possibly the most nihilistic and pessimistic song ever to make No 1 on the charts. In Australia too, the anti-war/peace movement was strong and we produced our own classics denigrating the Vietnam War such as Johnny Young‘s ‘Smiley” (sung here by Ronnie Burns) and Redgum‘s searing indictment ‘I Was Only 19’.

PLAYLIST

* Masters Of War – Bob Dylan

* Universal Soldier – Donovan

* Give Peace A Chance – John Lennon & The Plastic Ono Band

* Smiley – Ronnie Burns

* Eve Of Destruction – Barry McGuire

* Peace Train – Cat Stevens

* I Was Only 19 – Redgum

* Oliver’s Army – Elvis Costello & The Attractions

* We Shall Overcome – Joan Baez

* Arkansas Grass – Axiom

* Good News Week – Hedgehoppers Anonymous

* Fortunate Son – Creedence Clearwater Revival