Peoples & Things cover image

Driving While Black: African Americans and the Automobile

Peoples & Things

CHAPTER

The Role of the Car in African American Songwriting

Ike Turner's 1951 track Rocket 88 and Chuck Berry's Maybelline. Automobiles have been a big subject in African American songwriting. So many musicians spent a lot of time in their cars. And so I think it only makes sense that they write about their cars, because the car becomes a metaphor for freedom.

00:00
Transcript
Play full episode

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner