A List of Mandela Song Tributes

“It is music and dancing that makes me at peace with the world… and at peace with myself.”
— Nelson Mandela

With Nelson Mandela’s passing, it’s appropriate that we review this list of songs he inspired. Amazingly, the list doesn’t include this song by Simple Minds, so I’ve fixed that.

I remember being on the air at CFNY on February 11, 1990, when word came that Mandela had been freed. As soon as the news came into the control room, I grabbed that Simple Minds record and played it.  Here’s another list from the LA Times via John.

A few years ago, my wife and I went to Cape Town and took a tour of Robben Island.  

I stood outside Mandela’s cell.  Prisoner 46664 spent 17 years sleeping on this floor.  

Bono wrote this piece on Mandela for Time yesterday.  The Globe also carries some video comments from both him and Bob Geldof.

I’d also like to take you back to Wembley Stadium on June 11, 1988, for Nelsen Mandela’s 70th birthday concert.  It was events like this that raised global awareness of his struggle and his mission.  The concert was seen by more than 600 million people in 67 countries.

Finally, check out this piece on music and Mandela and this article on how Mandela figured in popular culture in general.