The Black Klansman

Album: The Black Klansman (1966)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • No, this is not a novelty record but the title song of a somewhat off-beat film. The Black Klansman was released in June 1966; it was directed by a man whose forte was films about astro-zombies and the like. Shortly renamed Brutes, it was inspired by the civil rights movement.

    In this film, a light-skinned black man who is living the dream in California hears that his young daughter in Alabama has been murdered in a terrorist attack. Inflamed with passion, he decides to pass for white, return to his hometown and hunt down the murderer. This song conveys that much. It appears to have been released (or simply demoed) as a one-sided single written and performed by an ASCAP member named Tony Harris. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England
  • Decades later, Dave Chappelle took on a similar topic (albeit with far more levity) in his bit, The Black White Supremacist.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Lou Gramm - "Waiting For A Girl Like You"

Lou Gramm - "Waiting For A Girl Like You"They're Playing My Song

Gramm co-wrote this gorgeous ballad and delivered an inspired vocal, but the song was the beginning of the end of his time with Foreigner.

Maria Muldaur

Maria MuldaurSongwriter Interviews

The "Midnight At The Oasis" singer is an Old Time gal. She talks about her jug band beginnings and shares a Dylan story.

David Paich of Toto

David Paich of TotoSongwriter Interviews

Toto's keyboard player explains the true meaning of "Africa" and talks about working on the Thriller album.

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)Songwriter Interviews

The former Metallica bassist talks about his first time writing a song with James Hetfield, and how a hand-me-down iPad has changed his songwriting.

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse Pop

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.

Marvin Gaye

Marvin GayeFact or Fiction

Did Marvin try out with the Detroit Lions? Did he fake crazy to get out of military service? And what about the cross-dressing?