This Memorial Day, be sure to remember those that paid the highest of sacrifice, giving their lives to protect this country. In rock and roll there have been many songs that reflect our countries pro and cons of battle. Here are a few worth remembering this day…
“Unknown Soldier” by the Doors was released at the height of the Vietnam War, written to demonstrate Jim Morrison’s anger of how the media was reporting the war.
Creedence Clearwater Revival ‘Unfortunate Son” was the ‘B’ side of the popular single “Down on the Corner” in September of 1969. John Fogerty witnessed Julie Nixon with David Eisenhower on TV and realized they were of the privileged class, never being called to duty or getting their hands dirty with killing.
“Sky Pilot” by Eric Burdon and War is written from a war Chaplin point of view, speaking to the troops before they take to the air.
“Ballad of the Green Beret” by Sgt. Barry Sadler is one of the few songs during the Vietnam War that praised the efforts of the soldiers, supporting the troops and their missions. Conservatives and patriotic Hollywood stars loved this single from 1966. Barry sang the song on the Ed Sullivan Show on January 30th, 1966.
“Eve of Destruction” by Barry McGuire was a hit single that was turned down by the Byrds and the Turtles, and was originally recorded by Jan and Dean, later Barry.
Honorable mentions this Memorial Day go to the songs “Brothers in Arms” by Dire Straits, Edwin Star and “War,” Sammy Hagar and “Remember the Heroes,” “Sunday Bloody Sunday” from U2, “Give Peace a Chance” by John Lennon, “Ohio” by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, and Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA.”
Memorial Day birthdays include Corey Hart (“Sunglasses at Night”), Darryl “DMC” McDaniel’s, Peter Yarrow. Birthdays happening later this week include Steve Brookins of .38 Special, Ron Wood, Michelle Phillips of the Mamas & The Papas, Gary “U.S.” Bonds, Steve Vai, and Boz Scaggs.
Stars born on this day include Clint Eastwood, Colon Farrell, Joe Namath, and Brooke Shields.