Joan Baez singing Pete Seeger’s “We Shall Overcome” was a popular anthem during the civil rights movement. Sam Cooke was turned away from a hotel in Louisiana because he was black. He was inspired by Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind.” Cooke wrote “A Change is Gonna Come.”

Many causes, many movements and many dreams have been supported by songwriters sharing their music and lyrics.

“Alright,” by Kendrick Lamar, “Fortunate Son,” by Creedence Clearwater Revival, “Ohio,” by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” by U2, and “We Are the World,” by Michael Jackson and Lionel Ritchie are all great examples of songs that made a difference.