On March 31, 1964, the Brazilian military carried out a US-backed coup against the democratically elected government, installing a dictatorship that would last for 21 years. Hundreds of people were disappeared. Thousands imprisoned and tortured. But musicians stood up, singing songs that were a sometimes subtle — sometimes not-so-subtle — critique of the dictatorship. 

The military regime responded by censoring songs, music and artists. Some, like Chico Buarque, went into exile. Others were detained, jailed and even tortured. But still the music played on. Still, artists found a way for their music to reach the people. Still, the music gave hope that “tomorrow would be another day.”

This is episode 14 of Stories of Resistance — a podcast co-produced by The Real News and Global Exchange. Each week, we’ll bring you stories of resistance like this. Inspiration for dark times.

This week, in remembrance of the anniversary of Brazil’s military coup on March 31, 1964, we are taking a deep dive in Brazil. All three episodes this week will look at stories of resistance in Brazil. From protest music, to general strikes against the dictatorship, to the Free Lula vigil in more recent times.

Written and produced by Michael Fox.

If you like what you hear, please subscribe, like, share, comment, or leave a review. 

To mark this anniversary, Michael Fox created a Spotify playlist of songs written in resistance to Brazil's military dictatorship. You can check it out on his Patreon: www.patreon.com/mfox
There, you can also follow Michael’s reporting, and support his work.

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