Three Dog Night, "Black and White"(1972)

Interesting facts about this song:
[quote] An influential American folk singer named Earl Robinson wrote this in 1954 with lyricist David Arkin (who is the father of actor Alan Arkin). The song is about racism, and was inspired by a US Supreme Court ruling that segregation in public schools is illegal.[/quote]
[media=https://youtu.be/PEy6968xO-I]

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Piper · 61-69, F Best Comment

I like the song, and the band. Although I knew the song was about racism, I didn't know who wrote it, or what specifically inspired it. I did learn another interesting fact about it, thanks to your post. The original lyrics included this:

"Their robes were black, their heads were white,
The schoolhouse doors were closed so tight,
Nine judges all set down their names,
To end the years and years of shame."

Pfuzylogic · M

I bought that album when it came out. It had a very good looking cover and inside and while “Black and White” was a huge hit; i personally enjoyed “Pieces of April”.

Rutterman · 46-50, M

Very interesting backstory. I've always liked the song, but never knew anything about its origin.

bookerdana · M

Most of TDN's songs were covers...in many cases people don't know the originals. Good tune

bijouxbroussard · F

@bookerdana What I found really amazing is that David Arkin, who helped write the song, had been a victim of McCarthyism who refused to name names, a brave stance to take back then.

bookerdana · M

@bijouxbroussard My Dad worked for the Federal Gov't..and people used to ring our neighbors doors asking about his "activities"
[b]What they didn't know[/b] My neighbors also worked for the FEDS (mailmen ) and asked about them🫢 They gave each other five star reviews...can't fool the smart money with fake paranoia

originnone · 61-69, M

didn't know the reference but used to play it on the organ...lots of 3 dog night in fact....Paul Williams wrote several of their songs....

BridgeOvertroubledWaters · 61-69, M

Great 70s song

uncalled4 · 56-60, M

A favorite song when I was a kid. I have the original ABC single.

bijouxbroussard · F

@uncalled4 I have that 45, too.!😄

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