Greenwich Village: Music That Defined a Generation (DVD)(2012)

Greenwich Village: Music That Defined a Generation is an untold story about the very people whose music helped change the world.

This documentary combines talking heads with rare archival footage and new live performances to tell a story about a community that created generation-defining music in Greenwich Village between 1961-1973.

The music challenged the status quo by singing about taboo subjects such as fighting for civil liberties, protesting the Vietnam War, and holding governments accountable for their actions.

Despite controversy at the time, these musicians' views were not always greeted with open arms.

In fact, on Sunday April 9, 1961, over 500 young musicians gathered in Greenwich Village's Washington Square to sing folk songs to promote peace and harmony, resulting in a riot squad attacking singers and civilians alike with billy clubs, leading to several arrests.

This incident became known as the Washington Square Folk Riot and was cited as the first 'freedom of speech' revolt, making Greenwich Village a beacon of hope for an entire generation.

This documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in music history, social activism, or the power of community to create change.