I Swung the Election: Music & Politics

All eyes are on the 2004 election. With this American Routes Music & Politics special we ask you to lend your ears to the democratic process as we bring you songs by and about politicians — including John Kerry’s high school rock band — protest music, campaign songs and more. Guests include Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia on fiddling to get elected; Cook County Commissioner and soul singer Jerry Butler discusses the difference between performance and politics; former Sec. of the Interior Stewart Udall recalls music in the Kennedy White House; and the King of Bluegrass, Jimmy Martin, wonders if we’ll have a guitar-picking president. Plus topical music from Howlin’ Wolf, Ella Fitzgerald, and The Grateful Dead. Democracy is the best sound around.