Classical Music Composers' Political Views

Benjamin Britten was a member of the Communist Party of Great Britain from 1935 to 1937.

Richard Strauss was a supporter of the Nazi Party and served as president of the Reichsmusikkammer, the Nazi organization responsible for regulating music in Germany.

Dmitri Shostakovich was a vocal critic of the Soviet Union and its policies, and his music often reflected his political views.

Mao Zedong was a supporter of the Chinese Communist Party and its policies, and he often used music to promote his political agenda.

Olivier Messiaen was a member of the French Resistance during World War II and was imprisoned by the Nazis for his activities.

Leonard Bernstein was a supporter of the American Civil Rights Movement and used his music to promote racial equality.

John Cage was a member of the Black Panther Party and used his music to support the party's goals.

Pauline Oliveros was a supporter of the feminist movement and used her music to promote women's rights.

Brian Eno is a member of the Green Party and has used his music to promote environmental awareness.

Lady Gaga was a supporter of the Occupy Wall Street movement and used her music to promote the movement's goals.

Bob Dylan was a member of the Anti-War Movement and used his music to protest the Vietnam War.

Martin Luther King Jr. was a supporter of the Civil Rights Movement and used his speeches to promote racial equality.

Stokely Carmichael was a member of the Black Power Movement and used his speeches to promote black pride and self-determination.

Betty Friedan was a supporter of the Women's Liberation Movement and used her book "The Feminine Mystique" to promote gender equality.

Frank Kameny was a member of the Gay Liberation Movement and used his speeches and writings to promote gay rights.