Matt Jones and Elaine Laron
Matt Jones was one of the most important songwriters associated with the later days of Broadside, appearing at many of the benefit concerts. Jones was a member of the Freedom Singers (Track 36), and very involved with the Civil Rights Movement as a singer, activist, and composer. He participated in the Nashville Student Movement in 1960 before moving to Danville, Virginia, organizing the Danville Singing Voices in 1963. Later that same year he moved to Atlanta and, along with his brother Marshall, became associated with the Freedom Singers. Having been a jazz musician, Matt Jones brought a strong sense of composition to the group and wrote many of their songs.
After collaborating with Jones, Elaine Laron went on to compose music for well-known children's programs such as Free to Be You and Me and The Electric Company.
The Best of Broadside: 56. "Hell No, I Aint Gonna Go"
The chant "Hell No, We Won't Go" was one of the best known associated with anti-Vietnam War protests. (It is a chant that has also been used in many other struggles.) It was not uncommon to see individuals wearing buttons with the phrase. This song speaks to the question in the African-American community of "why are we fighting this war when we are being treated as second-class citizens at home?"
Matt Jones. Photo by Diana Davies.
Text and quote extracted from the notes by Jeff Place accompanying The Best of Broadside.
Smithsonian Folkways recordings featuring Matt Jones:
Voices of the Civil Rights Movement (SFW40084)