The Sound of Protest Folk

“The Sound of Protest Folk” brings together a wide range of songs from the American labor movement and broader struggles for justice, equality, and worker rights. With tracks by foundational voices like Woody Guthrie and The Almanac Singers, the playlist highlights decades of resistance music, from Depression-era ballads to 1970s union anthems and feminist labor songs. Cuts like “Which Side Are You On?” and “Union Maid” keep the spirit of collective action front and center, while lesser-known voices like Anne Feeney, Utah Phillips, and Joe Glazer expand the narrative with stories of strikes, solidarity, and everyday working-class life.

Beyond its historical roots, this collection also features contemporary interpretations and recordings that carry folk protest traditions into the present day. Songs such as “Still Looking for Freedom” and “Unfinished Business” reflect labor’s ongoing fight, while group performances from the NYC Labor Chorus and The Freedom Voices bring a community feel. From Wobbly hymns to calls to tear the fascists down, it’s a broad, grounded take on the music of resistance—focusing less on style and more on message, unity, and enduring grit.