Disability Rocks!: Disability & Music at the Longmore Institute
Discover the influence of disability on popular music from the earliest blues, country weepers, rock and roll pioneers, punk rockers, to Lady Gaga.
Disability identity, circumstances, and subject matter has had a significant, although hidden influence on popular music. Listen to Ray Charles sing “I Don’t Need No Doctor” to hear how one musician used his disability experiences in his music. Consider “Save the Last Dance for Me” written by Doc Pomus, a disabled man. He was inspired watching his able-bodied new bride dance with his brother on their wedding day. Examine how Lady Gaga and Marilyn Manson weave disability imagery throughout their music videos. In addition, how disability has influenced artists as varied as Tom Jones to Hank Williams, Jr., will be presented. Everyone is welcome!