Philip David Ochs was an American songwriter and protest singer. Ochs was known for his sharp wit, sardonic humor, political activism, often alliterative lyrics, and distinctive voice. He wrote hundreds of songs from the 1960s to early 1970s and released eight albums.
Ochs outside the offices of the National Student Association, 1975
Bob Gibson was a major influence on Ochs's writing.
Phil Ochs rewrite of his song "Here's to the State of Mississippi" into "Here's to the State of Richard Nixon". Typed at the apartment of Chip Berlet in 1974 prior to Ochs's performance of the song at Impeachment Ball. Copy sent to his brother Michael Ochs for registration. Original at Chicago History Museum.
Phil Ochs performing at Stables in East Lansing, Michigan, May 1973
A protest song is a song that is associated with a movement for protest and social change and hence part of the broader category of topical songs. It may be folk, classical, or commercial in genre.
Jews singing Hebrew protest songs when Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad spoke at Columbia University in 2007
John Lennon rehearsing the anti–Vietnam War anthem "Give Peace a Chance" (1969)
The Clash, one of the pioneers of the punk movement, who protested class economics, race issues, and authoritarianism
