Welcome to Light On Light Through, Episode 409, in which I interview Simon Vozick-Levinson, Deputy Editor of Rolling Stone, about the magazine's list of the 100 Best Protest Songs of All Time. We talk in particular about Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs, and Sam Cooke, and also discuss the importance of publications like Rolling Stone standing up for democracy in these politically troubling times.

As a special treat, at the end of this interview, I play a song, "Dance with Destiny," from James Harris's new LP, The Moons of Jupiter. This is consistent with Phil Ochs' view that we needs works of beauty especially in troubled times.

Relevant links:

Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Best Protest Songs of All Time
The science fantasy story I wrote, "Sam's Requests," inspired by Sam Cooke's song "Having a Party" ... read the story here ... or here (free)
My review of Trupa Trupa at the Bowery Electric, Manhattan, 1 March 2025
My Light On Light Through interview with David Browne about his book, Talkin' Greenwich Village
NY Times listing of the three-hour show Joshua Meyrowitz and I did about Phil Ochs, after his death in 1976, on WFDU-FM Radio
My Light On Light Through interview with Sarah Seltzer about her novel The Singer Sisters
The Moons of Jupiter on Bandcamp (soundscapes by Nicky Rowe, vocals by James Harris)

Paul Levinson interviews Simon Vozick-Levinson about Rolling Stone's Top 100 Protest Songs