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While the right of singers and songwriters to express themselves through music is protected by the First Amendment, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) does regulate what can be transmitted over public airwaves and played on the radio. 'Obscene' broadcasts are prohibited at all times. Songs that include lyrics considered 'indecent' or 'profane,' however, can be played by radio stations outside the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. so that they are less likely to be heard by children. The FCC's Indecency Fact Sheet provides definitions of each term, as well as details on how the agency investigates violations and enforces regulations. Yet even if FCC regulations do not prohibit a song from being played, a broadcast radio station's management may choose not to play it, or censor particular lyrics, if they are concerned the song will offend listeners. The songs listed below were banned or censored by radio stations between the 1950's and 2000's. In each instance, references to politics, religion, or sexuality prompted the decision. 1950's Billie Holiday - Love For Sale The Weavers - Wasn't That a Time Donald Woods - Death of an Angel Dean Martin - Wham Bam, Thank You Ma'am Johnny Standley - It's in the Book Screaming Jay Hawkins - I Put a Spell on You Ray Charles - I Got a Woman Elvis Presley - Santa Claus is Back in Town Everly Brothers - Wake up Little Susie   1980's Frank Zappa - I Don't Wanna Get Drafted Marvin Gaye - Sexual Healing Olivia Newton-John - Physical Kool G Rap and DJ Polo - Truly Yours Cyndi Lauper - She Bop George Michael - I Want Your Sex Cat Stevens - Peace Train Venom - Possessed NWA – F*** tha Police 1960's The Beatles - Ballad of John and Yoko The Doors - The Unknown Soldier The Who - Substitute Phil Ochs - Outside a Small Circle of Friends Janice Ian - Society's Child Barry McGuire - Eve of Destruction The Kingsmen - Louie, Louie The Rolling Stones - (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction   1990's Sheryl Crow - Love is a Good Thing 2 Live Crew - Me So Horny Michael Jackson - They Don't Care About Us Ice Cube - No Vaseline Tim McGraw - Indian Outlaw Sinead O'Connor - War KD Lang - Diet of Strange Places Body Count - Cop Killer 1970's John Denver - Rocky Mountain High Bob Dylan - George Jackson Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young - Ohio Loretta Lynn - The Pill Sex Pistols - God Save the Queen Peter, Paul and Mary - Puff (the Magic Dragon) Brewer and Shipley - One Toke Over the Line   2000's The Strokes - New York City Cops Ani DiFranco - Subdivision Dixie Chicks - Truth #2 Steve Earle - John Walker Blues Lenny Kravitz - Fly Away REM - Losing My Religion Eminem - Real Slim Shady Henry Rollins and Chuck D - Rise Above Bruce Springsteen - American Skin (41 Shots) << Previous Section    Next section >>

Onboard the Freedom Express In this exhibit, visitors can listen to music that was banned or censored by radio stations and stores between the 1950s and 2000s out of a concern for the common good. The examples provided illustrate how standards of decency have changed over time.