In nineteen eighty-five a congressional hearing was held before the Senate committee in an attempt to censor music. During the committee hearing Frank Zappa accused Tipper Gore- co. founder of the Parent's Music Resource Center- of being a "cultural terrorist." Although Mr. Zappa's testimony had some bearing on the outcome the most influential speaker is one that many would not expect. John Denver's testimony -in which he spoke out against censorship-, had the most affect on the committee's opinion. His experience with censorship resulted in his extreme dislike of any form of excluding and/or labeling a musicians" art. T he committee deemed censorship a violation and did not pass the law to label and/or censor music heavily. .
In what many claim was a ignorant move, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) agreed to voluntarily place warning labels on albums that were deemed obscene. This was seen as pacifying those whom want who view music as inherently evil. Some say, it was seen as a step forward in attempting to control the one mass media aimed directly at teenagers. Most within the industry saw this position as a cop out for music and left many musician's angry. Axle Rose, former lead singer of the heavy metal band Guns and Roses, has spoken out against labeling. He claims that everyone has the basic right to express themselves musically regardless of the response because of the first amendment. Luther Campbell, of the rap group 2 Live Crew released a single titled "Banned in the USA" in response to the labeling. The lyrics of this song are blatantly attacking the governments" right to censor music and the parents who fight for it. The lyrics are as follows: .
Banned in the USA.
Government of the people.
For the people.
By the people.
[News reporter]:.
Earlier today in Broward County,.
appalling court judges upheld the previous ruling.
To ban the sale of Miami rap group the 2 Live Crew's double-platinum album,.