More Than Just Politics: The Bird and Popular Culture

Cartoon of Beethoven putting his fingers in his ears.

While political and social issues were central to the mission of The Bird, coverage of music, art, theater, film, and other cultural phenomena was also crucial, helping to cement the bonds of the many staff, contributors, and readers of the paper. As in other areas of commentary, contributors to The Bird wrote on these topics from their own unique perspectives.

A group of musicians perform onstage. — Photograph of The Hampton Grease Band performing at the Georgian Terrace, August 19, 1969. (Tom Coffin, V003-690819-A031)

The Bird is often remembered as a hippie newspaper. Although the paper covered counter-cultural movements and lifestyles, most of the people who contributed to and worked on the paper did not self-identify as hippies; rather, they saw themselves as engaged political activists. Nevertheless, the paper did chronicle the popular music and culture of the era, including that of the hip community that coalesced on “The Strip,” a moniker given to an area of Peachtree Street located between 10th and 14th Avenue. One of the services provided by The Bird was its weekly calendar highlighting not only activism opportunities but also concerts, theater productions, television programs, and other cultural activities of interest to its readership. Concerts could be as diverse as Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Hampton Grease Band, blues artists, or bluegrass festivals.

A man in a suit sits playing a guitar on a small stage. — Photograph of Buddy Moss performing March 15, 1970, (Tom Coffin, V003-700315-C026)

Bird staff also reviewed albums, concerts, theatrical performances, and other performing arts on a regular basis. These reviews included well-known acts such as Bob Dylan or the Beatles as well as local bands or up-and-coming performers in many different genres. Notably, Anne Romaine, a regular Bird contributor, was heavily involved with the Southern Folk Festival and recorded country music albums on Rounder Records.

A young woman sings and plays guitar outside the steps of a large building. — Photograph of Anne Romaine performing outside of Sparks Hall at Georgia State University, August 8, 1970, (Tom Coffin, V003-700808-A003)

The Bird would also interview musicians such as jazz musician Charles Lloyd or country stars Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton to discuss not only their music but their thoughts on political issues. Mainstream dailies tended to pay attention only to classical music other “high brow” forms of musical entertainment. The Bird filled that gap by focusing on the more popular genres and artists.

Photograph from behind a band playing on a stage in a park, a crowd of people watching. — Performance during the “Great Speckled Bird” concert in Piedmont Park, September 21, 1969. (Tom Coffin, V003-600001-C27)

Text of article "Shower of Stars," with headshots of Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner, November 29, 1971. — Article, “Shower of Stars” Dolly Parton and
Porter Wagoner, GSB, page 13, v. 4 no. 48
(November 29, 1971)

Article, "Charles Lloyd Raps," March 15, 1968. — Article, “Charles Lloyd Raps: Newest Prophet of the New Wave Jazz”, GSB, pages 4-5, v. 1 no. 1 (March 15, 1968)