Protest is patriotic. Since the beginning of musical time, American singers and songwriters have used their talent and bully pulpits to show us America's strengths and shortcomings.
At its best, American music is the soundtrack of our long -- and often painful -- march toward a more perfect union. From chain gangs to folk songs to intelligent soul, America has created musicians dedicated to truth, justice, and a better American Way. Of course, the "American Way" has proven to mean very different things to different people, and as of late, those differing beliefs fall largely on party lines.
There are two camps of patriotic musicians. On the blue-state side there are the bleeding-heart-liberal singer-songwriters, aging folkies, and overly earnest rock stars who stump for the latest Democratic candidate and sing of the plight of the common man. On the red-state side are the gun-toting, American-truck-driving, union-busting country (and occasional hard-rock) artists who want their audience to love America or leave it.
The blue-state patriots may have more star power than their red-state counterparts, but there's no doubt they equally love their country. These musicians donate countless hours -- and risk alienating their fan base -- in order to speak out on the issues and leaders they believe in most.
Here's a Fourth of July tale of red- and blue-state rockers fighting for Old Glory. Only in America...
Bruce Springsteen: Blue-State Patriot
For years Springsteen kept his patriotism private, aside from his songs about working-class heroes. Then came 1984's "Born in the U.S.A.," with its widely misunderstood title track. Springsteen took his first steps out of the political closet when he asked Ronald Reagan to stop using "Born in the U.S.A." during his presidential campaign. Bruce's 9/11 album, The Rising, upped the patriotic ante. Then, in 2004, the Boss took the blue-state gloves off and stumped for John Kerry's failed presidential run. He finally picked a winner last year when he publicly backed Barack Obama. His reward? The opening slot at Obama's Lincoln Memorial inaugural concert. Pretty patriotic gig.
Ted Nugent: Red-State Patriot
The Nuge is the quintessential red-state rocker. He's vehemently anti-drug, pro-gun, and right-wing. Despite the fact that he went to great lengths to avoid the Vietnam War, Nugent has become a vocal supporter of the military, touring with the USO in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2004. Two years later he told U.K. newspaper The Independent, "Because I failed to serve in Vietnam, I feel an obligation now, to do everything I can to support those defending our freedom. Do I feel guilt and embarrassment? Yes." Pretty vulnerable words coming from a dude who carries a bow and arrow.
John Mellencamp: Blue-State Patriot
Songs like "Pink Houses" and "Jack & Diane" have become synonymous with the American heartland Mellencamp calls home. The Indiana native's patriotism goes beyond the characters in his songs. Along with Neil Young and Willie Nelson, Mellencamp founded Farm Aid in 1985 to help American family farmers losing their land to corporate agri-businesses. He's also testified before Congress on the same issue. Farm Aid has raised more than $33 million during its 24-year run.
John Rich: Red-State Patriot
The Republican half of Big & Rich lent his considerable country fame to the 2008 presidential campaigns of Fred Thompson and John McCain. He even penned McCain's unofficial campaign anthem, "Raisin' McCain." Rich's patriotism extends beyond politics to the military. His grandfather was a World War II vet, and his song "The Good Lord and the Man" is an ode to him. He even got to play for another WWII vet, George H.W. Bush, on his 85th birthday.
Willie Nelson: Blue-State Patriot
With his red, white, and blue guitar strap and ageless catalogue of country standards, Willie Nelson is the embodiment of an American institution. And while dodging the tax man is decidedly un-patriotic (Willie was busted for tax evasion in 1990), Nelson has donated much of his time -- and money -- to such left-leaning patriotic causes as Farm Aid (which he co-founded), biofuels (he started a biodiesel company, Willie Biodiesel), and -- surprise! -- marijuana legalization.
Hank Williams, Jr.: Red-State Patriot
The son of Hank Williams, country music's grand patriarch, is an unabashed red-state patriot. He's a mainstay at all-American events like Republican rallies (he wrote a song called "McCain-Palin Tradition" for the '08 GOP nominees) and professional football games (his intro opened the '06 Super Bowl, and he's been the longtime musical face of "Monday Night Football"). Williams is now taking his patriotism to the next level: He's running for U.S. Senate in 2012. Maybe Tennessee will get a new state song.
will.i.am: Blue-State Patriot
The Black Eyed Peas mastermind is one of the few recording artists who can say he helped get a president elected. His 2008 election anthem, "Yes We Can" (and the video directed by Bob Dylan's son, Jesse), arguably tipped the balance in Barack Obama's favor during his primary run against Hillary Clinton. will.i.am's patriotism is almost enough to forgive him for the Peas' latest train wreck, "The E.N.D."
Toby Keith: Red-State Patriot
Toby Keith's signature song, "Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue (The Angry American)," is inextricably tied to the Fourth of July. It peaked at #1 on the Billboard Country chart on that date in 2003. Commandant of the Marine Corps, James L. Jones, told Keith it was his duty as an American to record the song after hearing it in concert. While it was a military favorite, it did have its detractors, including Keith's country foils, the Dixie Chicks, whose lead singer Natalie Maines said the song was "ignorant."
Dixie Chicks: Blue-State Patriots
Depending on your political orientation, the Dixie Chicks are either the great defenders of free speech or American traitors. The debate stems from a 2003 comment made by Natalie Maines stating her opposition to the imminent invasion of Iraq and her dissatisfaction with President George w. Bush. Her words, "We're ashamed that the president of the United States is from Texas," started a firestorm of controversy and put the issue of free speech and dissent center stage. Ironically, Bush supported her right to speak out against him, saying, "The Dixie Chicks are free to speak their mind....That's the great thing about America." Toby Keith didn't agree. He showed a Photoshopped image of Maines with Saddam Hussein during his concert tour.