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The recent rally hosted by Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at Grand Park in Los Angeles brought together legendary musicians Neil Young, Joan Baez, and Maggie Rogers, who delivered a memorable rendition of Young’s iconic protest song, “Rockin’ in the Free World.”
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Taking place on Saturday, April 12, the event focused on grassroots political reform and anti-corporate sentiment while showcasing the talents of all three artists through solo and collaborative performances.
Neil Young, who concluded the event, began with “Rainbow of Colors” from his 2019 release Colorado, before transitioning into the passionate “Rockin’ in the Free World.”
As the song progressed, both Baez and Rogers joined him on stage, alternating vocal lines and rallying the crowd with chants of “Power to the people” and “Take America back” throughout the performance.
Joan Baez, who recently returned to performing after her Hall of Fame induction, showcased her talent with a five-song solo set, featuring powerful covers like “Ain’t Nobody Gonna Turn Me ’Round,” originally sung by the Freedom Singers, and “Imagine” by John Lennon.
Her collaboration with Rogers on songs like “America the Beautiful” and Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” highlighted Baez’s rare public appearance since her retirement from touring in 2019.
Maggie Rogers, whose latest album Surrender was released in 2022, has been actively engaging with fans through social media and participating in benefit concerts focused on political issues.
Senator Sanders, discontent with the Trump administration’s tariff policies, articulated his views during a CNN town hall. He emphasized the importance of collaboration over hostility, stating, “We don’t have to hate China. We don’t have to hate other people. Let’s figure out a way to work together.”
Young’s anthem, first released in 1989 on his album Freedom, has been a significant part of numerous political movements over the decades. In 2020, he notably took legal action against the Trump campaign for using “Rockin’ in the Free World” without permission at campaign events.
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