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From “Okie From Muskogee” to “God Bless the U.S.A.” and “Try That In A Small Town,” country music has produced a steady stream of songs that appeal to conservative listeners. But like all genres, country is not a monolith. Its songwriters have written in support of progressive causes too, including lyrics extolling rights for workers, people of color and women.
This diversity of viewpoints includes songs about reproductive rights. Middlebury College’s William Nash describes the legacy of reproductive rights songs in country music, including by giants like Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton, and highlights the work of rising star Molly Tuttle, who is continuing the tradition in the post-Roe era.
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Eric Smalley
Science + Technology Editor
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Molly Tuttle is a rising star in American roots music.
Amy Harris/Invision/AP
William Nash, Middlebury
From the pre-Roe years to today, country musicians have written about the realities of life with restrictions on reproductive rights.
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