Rockstars or Spies? Music, Espionage & The Wind of Change
You know that instantly recognizable power ballad by that one heavy metal band that was released in 1990 – after the fall of the Berlin Wall, and conveniently, right as the Soviet Union was on the verge of collapse? “Wind of Change” by The Scorpions is not only one of the most successful rock singles ever released, it was also the soundtrack to a revolution during a pivotal moment in European history.
For some fans, it was the song that ended the Cold War. AND… maybe, possibly written and promoted by the CIA. It's important to note that this particular claim is speculative, but let's explore the idea that the CIA and a German metal band used music to shred the iron curtain. If you've ever wondered about political propaganda hidden within popular music, it is very real. Throughout history, music has been used in ways you would not believe.
Have you heard the terms “soft power?" and “cultural diplomacy?” It's the method of using art and music to promote and influence public opinion, stability, and often – peace and human rights on a global scale. Like how the CIA sponsored, funded and enlisted American Modern artists and musicians to assert power during the Cold War. Let's travel down the rabbit hole that is the division of the CIA called Propaganda Assets Inventory.
The U.S. government actually recruited popular jazz artists of the time to promote “American values." They sent Louis Armstrong on tours to the Soviet Union in response to the Soviet Union calling attention to American racism. Louis Armstrong went along on State Department tours but eventually became frustrated doing propaganda to prove America was not racist while living in the reality of Jim Crow America. He withdrew from his role as a “goodwill jazz ambassador” and began combating racism at home in the U.S., putting his entire career on the line by speaking out against the injustice taking place in Little Rock after the Governor of Arkansas sent the National Guard to prevent nine African American school children from integrating Central High School.
Nina Simone was sent on a tour to Nigeria in 1961 by the American Society of African Culture, an organization of African-American writers, artists, and scholars – secretly funded by the CIA. When she learned her tour was based on false pretenses, she doubled down, became active in the Civil Rights Movement, sang powerful anthems about the black experience and joined the Selma to Montgomery marches, using her lyrics to fight injustice back home in the United States.
The history of the CIA's use of music as a tool for cultural diplomacy is one of the main reason's behind the conspiracy theory that the CIA recruited a popular german metal band to combat communism in 1991. The timing of The Scorpion's top single within its political context, along with the song's theme gives more reason to believe it may have been strategically written and promoted to influence support for the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Did The Scorpions become one of the most successful rock bands in the 1990s with the backing of the government? We may never know. The band's members have said the suggestion proves just how powerful music can be. Whether these lyrics were penned by an intelligence agency or written by the lead singer of your favorite metal band –
Only you can decide how to feel about your favorite tunes, their origin, message and intent. Is it scary to realize not all art, music and literature is pure and organic? Yes. We should probably pay close attention. I tend to respect artists who choose to use their work not as a psychological weapon to incite division or violence but as a tool to promote unity, peace, progress, and the betterment of society.
The Wind of Change gave listeners an optimistic message of reconciliation and hope.
“The wind of change blows straight into the face of time
Like a storm wind that will ring the freedom bell
For peace of mind”
In my humble opinion, that alleged piece of propaganda is kind of a bop.
"Take me to the magic of the moment, on a glory night, where the children of tomorrow share their dreams – with you and me."
— THE SCORPIONS
GET THE MAKE BANDS NOT BOMBS TEE
There was a movement in the 80’s that protested the government's excessive use of funds for war, rather than for its impoverished, hungry citizens. The Food Not War movement and Bread Not Bombs slogan was used as a charity campaign to promote peace and eliminate hunger.
This design is inspired by the power of song and the concept of propaganda, which uses words and images to convey an important message. Why make bands? Because music speaks volumes when nothing else can. Its persuasive nature as an art form makes it powerful.
GET THE LANGUAGE OF PEACE TEE HERE
In Patti Smith’s book, Just Kids, she recalls a conversation she had with Jimi Hendrix in a stairwell at a party shortly before his sudden death. While attending the opening of his Electric Lady Studio in New York, Jimi found Patti sitting outside of the party, anxious to go in. To calm her nerves, he sat with her and explained his dreams for the studio. He envisioned working with artists to make music that inspired peace. She felt a profound sense of loss after he passed, but something he said in that stairwell would stay with her forever.
