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History in the Singing: 'Sunday Bloody Sunday' & 19 Other Songs Based On Historic Events

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January 30 marks the 41st anniversary of Bloody Sunday -- the infamous massacre in North Ireland at the hands of the British army that saw 14 people die and provided a rallying cry for generations of republicans.

And while you may or may not be a history buff, songs like U2's "Sunday Bloody Sunday" have helped history live on by commemorating events ranging from great victories to terrible tragedies. (To wit, this week also marks the anniversary of the school shooting that inspired the Boomtown Rats' "I Don't Like Mondays.")

That's why we've rounded up 20 historically inspired songs. Now, even if you're not particularly into the subject, you'll know the meaning behind a few of Bob Dylan's and Dr. Dre's biggest songs.

To read 20 Important Historical Moments Captured in Song click the gallery below:

View 20 Important Historical Moments Captured in Song
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all5740

u2 should retire and stop making music on past events. bono and his bubble gum music of years gone by should put a lid on it

Monday at 9:50 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Pat

Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens , The big bipper need I say more? Thats the day The Music died

Monday at 10:50 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
lindabellamy13

I know for sure american pie had nothing to do with U2 aol is off the mark that I know.

Sunday at 5:55 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
John G

way to go AOL

Sunday at 3:46 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
laskcon

amen--Danny----this is bull---thought there may be a good article

Sunday at 3:26 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Say NO to libs!

Anyone over 40 who doesn't know these factoids grew up under a rock.

Sunday at 2:52 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
hermand3

As I recall it was The Big Bopper. Ritchie Valens, and Otis Redding. I never heard of "Hawk Shaw" Hawkins. If you did not mention, the renowned Otis Redding, I think you are in error.

Sunday at 2:48 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to hermand3's comment
qwerky4491lady

Hate to be the one to tell you, but Otis Redding did NOT die with the other 2. It was Buddy Holly.

Sunday at 3:51 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
JESSE R.NEWELL

damned fooled again to read some other bullshit not topic spoken what the hell are you guys at aol doing got more info from readers than anything written grow up wise up get a clue write what you say topic is about gee thanks

Sunday at 2:46 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
outlw811

American Pie speaks of life back in 60's as being simple and wholesome where you wnet to church and believed in God and the Bible. Kids attended school and Sock Hops where songs of Ritchie Valens,Little Ritchie,Buddy Holey,"the Big Bopper" and even Patsy Cline were played. "The day the music died" speaks of Ritchie Valens,Buddy Holy,"the Big Bopper",Patsy Cline, and "Hawk Shaw" Hawkins all tragicly died in a plane crash!!! At the time that Buddy Holy died he just got married so that was the "widowed Bride" in the song. This song also tells of the "Cuban Missle Crisis" and the song "Helta Skelta" sung by the Beattles and of Charles Manson and his followers killing and terrorizing people in california(1969) it also talks about future generations that may someday live in outer space. But this song American Pie is mainly about music legends like Ritchie Valens,Buddy Holy,"the Big Bopper", Patsy Cline, and "HawkShaw" Hawkins and when they died that changed the music industry forever.

Sunday at 2:44 PM Report abuse +3 rate up rate down Reply
dannywray

I am getting more inclined to NOT click on any of these stories from AOL just because of things like this! Where is the story that was blasted in front of me about American Pie? Who is the editor for this crap? This seems to be getting an every day occurance with AOL. But, then, AOL has lost it's charm in so many more ways. Thinking I will cancel, probably just like other people reading this.

Sunday at 2:38 PM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to dannywray's comment
Sharon

I agree with dannywray. Almost every time I click on a story, it\'s very defficult to find the story if there is any. This goes on everyday. Is a 5 year old in charge of posting these links?

Sunday at 4:15 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply