Black Day in July

[MartinD18]

Does anybody know if this song is about a particular event? And if so, what? Or is it just made up?

[bhil3]

Does anybody know if this song is about a particular event? And if so, what? Or is it just made up?

[WillieMaysFan]

Black Day in July is about the riots that occurred in Detroit in the summer of 1967. Apparently, police raided a black club and things got out of hand. It went on for a few days and the military was called in to restore order. It was very violent, many business were destroyed, and about 43 people were killed. You can find a lot of information about the event just by doing an internet search for Detroit riots or 1967 Detroit riots. Incidently, I read an interview with Gord in which he indicated that he doesn't play that song anymore since it is such a sensitive issue.

[young stranger]

Black Day in July is about the riots that occurred in Detroit in the summer of 1967. Apparently, police raided a black club and things got out of hand. It went on for a few days and the military was called in to restore order. It was very violent, many business were destroyed, and about 43 people were killed. You can find a lot of information about the event just by doing an internet search for Detroit riots or 1967 Detroit riots. Incidently, I read an interview with Gord in which he indicated that he doesn't play that song anymore since it is such a sensitive issue.

[MartinD18]

ah, that makes sense. I remember when I was a young lad that my parents and I were in detroit visiting and they just barely got out before some horrible race riots got out of hand. I wonder if that was it? Thanks for the info, my wife has an old l.p. with that on it, and I hear it on an oldies station once in a great while.

[bhil3]

ah, that makes sense. I remember when I was a young lad that my parents and I were in detroit visiting and they just barely got out before some horrible race riots got out of hand. I wonder if that was it? Thanks for the info, my wife has an old l.p. with that on it, and I hear it on an oldies station once in a great while.

[Brenda]

Gord could write about another source of riots in Detroit:
The Tigers winning the World Series
The Pistons winning the NBA Championship
For all the glee surrounding this, it got pretty ugly.

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[Westernstar9]

Gord could write about another source of riots in Detroit:
The Tigers winning the World Series
The Pistons winning the NBA Championship
For all the glee surrounding this, it got pretty ugly.

------------------

[custom culture]

about 40 african americans and other immigrants were murdered during the riots. A 4 year old black girl was shot! most of these people were killed for no reason exept for being african american.

William N Dalton died 7/26/67 at 12:45am. Walking the streets after 9:30pm, Dalton was accused by the police of being a curfew violator. At this point, he was allegedly marched for a few feet, shoved against a wall, and told to run if he wanted. He refused to run. A policeman fired a shot into Willie, from close range. The police report claimed that he was an arsonist and was attempting to flee from the police. When instructed to halt, he kept moving and was shot. The police report lists his death as a “Justifiable Homicide”.

[custom culture]

about 40 african americans and other immigrants were murdered during the riots. A 4 year old black girl was shot! most of these people were killed for no reason exept for being african american.

William N Dalton died 7/26/67 at 12:45am. Walking the streets after 9:30pm, Dalton was accused by the police of being a curfew violator. At this point, he was allegedly marched for a few feet, shoved against a wall, and told to run if he wanted. He refused to run. A policeman fired a shot into Willie, from close range. The police report claimed that he was an arsonist and was attempting to flee from the police. When instructed to halt, he kept moving and was shot. The police report lists his death as a “Justifiable Homicide”.

[Boat House AKA member]

I would think he meant a bad day when he sings black day. The word black in this case has nothing to do with race.

Gord has always been aware in his songs of those who are mistreated or the "have-nots". Many of his songs deal with these social issues

[Kilgore]

I would think he meant a bad day when he sings black day. The word black in this case has nothing to do with race.

Gord has always been aware in his songs of those who are mistreated or the "have-nots". Many of his songs deal with these social issues

[miketouhy]

you know i was just thinking recently because Gordon wasn't all that well know in the US in the 60s and had not this song been banned, i wonder if there might of been a possibility this might have beena breakthrough hit for him? and not IYCRMML. correct me if but abreviation is wrong. sometimes i've heard when a song or album get's so much conterversey, it will get people's attention and makes them wanna buy it.

[miketouhy]

you know i was just thinking recently because Gordon wasn't all that well know in the US in the 60s and had not this song been banned, i wonder if there might of been a possibility this might have beena breakthrough hit for him? and not IYCRMML. correct me if but abreviation is wrong. sometimes i've heard when a song or album get's so much conterversey, it will get people's attention and makes them wanna buy it.

[miketouhy]

quote:Originally posted by young stranger:
Black Day in July is about the riots that occurred in Detroit in the summer of 1967. Apparently, police raided a black club and things got out of hand. It went on for a few days and the military was called in to restore order. It was very violent, many business were destroyed, and about 43 people were killed. You can find a lot of information about the event just by doing an internet search for Detroit riots or 1967 Detroit riots. Incidently, I read an interview with Gord in which he indicated that he doesn't play that song anymore since it is such a sensitive issue.
wonder why he would stop playing it just because of that?

[miketouhy]

quote:Originally posted by young stranger:
Black Day in July is about the riots that occurred in Detroit in the summer of 1967. Apparently, police raided a black club and things got out of hand. It went on for a few days and the military was called in to restore order. It was very violent, many business were destroyed, and about 43 people were killed. You can find a lot of information about the event just by doing an internet search for Detroit riots or 1967 Detroit riots. Incidently, I read an interview with Gord in which he indicated that he doesn't play that song anymore since it is such a sensitive issue.
wonder why he would stop playing it just because of that?

[Auburn Annie]

Probably stopped playing in later years because it's one of the few songs he's written that is so very topical, and if you weren't there (in the 60s) it has less resonance. Love songs, meanwhile, are timeless.

[Auburn Annie]

Probably stopped playing in later years because it's one of the few songs he's written that is so very topical, and if you weren't there (in the 60s) it has less resonance. Love songs, meanwhile, are timeless.

[Flossie]

I remember this song and its era very well. In fact, this was the song that got me interested in Lightfoot.
As children we were taken to Detroit summers on vacation...we even stayed one of the main riot points, the Algiers Motel. After 1967 we were never taken back again. There was considerable discussion & backlash at the time regarding this song...especially with the many race riots in the summer of '68. Since LIghtfoot had lived in Detroit, I assume he wrote this from a personal point of view. I was working in a radio station in the early 70's and remember hearing that stations in the US had been told by their management not to play it...so I went and bought the album...and still have it!!

[Flossie]

I remember this song and its era very well. In fact, this was the song that got me interested in Lightfoot.
As children we were taken to Detroit summers on vacation...we even stayed one of the main riot points, the Algiers Motel. After 1967 we were never taken back again. There was considerable discussion & backlash at the time regarding this song...especially with the many race riots in the summer of '68. Since LIghtfoot had lived in Detroit, I assume he wrote this from a personal point of view. I was working in a radio station in the early 70's and remember hearing that stations in the US had been told by their management not to play it...so I went and bought the album...and still have it!!

[miketouhy]

you know hearing the song for the 1st time today, the song sounds a little strange though it's not a bad song either. he keeps repeating the title of the songs and while it's not unusual in most songs to have the title of them to be repeated, in this case it does. the totle also seems odd. i probably would of called it Riots In Detroit or Summertime Riots.

[miketouhy]

you know hearing the song for the 1st time today, the song sounds a little strange though it's not a bad song either. he keeps repeating the title of the songs and while it's not unusual in most songs to have the title of them to be repeated, in this case it does. the totle also seems odd. i probably would of called it Riots In Detroit or Summertime Riots.

[Iron]

bhil3...as in phony as a 3 dollal bhil??

[Sidney Freedmen]

Another contreversial song Gordie wrote is Heavan Help The Devil. It is about the Iranian prisioners. I just wish there was a cure for the common war.

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Sidney Freedmen

'Sit Down Young Stranger' and visit The Home Page Of Gordon Lightfoot (http://groups.msn.com/TheHomePageOfGordonLightfoot)

[BILLW]

quote:Originally posted by Sidney Freedmen:
Another contreversial song Gordie wrote is Heavan Help The Devil. It is about the Iranian prisioners. I just wish there was a cure for the common war.



you mean "about the hostages held by the Iranians" right ?

Bill http://www.corfid.com/ubb/smile.gif

[Restless]

quote:Originally posted by bhil3:
Does anybody know if this song is about a particular event? And if so, what? Or is it just made up?

This is probably the most famous riots in US history. http://www.67riots.rutgers.edu/d_index.htm
Above is a complete history with great photos of the riots and more.

[Restless]

quote:Originally posted by Kilgore:
I would think he meant a bad day when he sings black day. The word black in this case has nothing to do with race.

Gord has always been aware in his songs of those who are mistreated or the "have-nots". Many of his songs deal with these social issues
Kilgore: Heres a brief history lesson regarding the origin of Gords song. http://www.67riots.rutgers.edu/d_index.htm

[Restless]

quote:Originally posted by miketouhy:
Originally posted by young stranger:
Black Day in July is about the riots that occurred in Detroit in the summer of 1967. Apparently, police raided a black club and things got out of hand. It went on for a few days and the military was called in to restore order. It was very violent, many business were destroyed, and about 43 people were killed. You can find a lot of information about the event just by doing an internet search for Detroit riots or 1967 Detroit riots. Incidently, I read an interview with Gord in which he indicated that he doesn't play that song anymore since it is such a sensitive issue.
wonder why he would stop playing it just because of that?

Gord himself had this to say in a recent interview: " The song BDIJ served its purpose, it ran its course so we dont do it anymore."

[Restless]

quote:Originally posted by miketouhy:
you know hearing the song for the 1st time today, the song sounds a little strange though it's not a bad song either. he keeps repeating the title of the songs and while it's not unusual in most songs to have the title of them to be repeated, in this case it does. the totle also seems odd. i probably would of called it Riots In Detroit or Summertime Riots.

I think the title is perfect. "Black" is NOT a reference to skin color but a reference to the dark days we are experiencing such as the dark days during the riots. DArk meaning dire, dismal, ahh look what we've done now days!

[gregnkw]

I don't see why he would stop performing in in concerts, although I can understand why they would have a problem with it being aired on the radio.

[Harmony]

I don't see why he would stop performing in in concerts, although I can understand why they would have a problem with it being aired on the radio.

[miketouhy]

Valeree once said to me durring the time she operated her tribute site to him he was or might of been critisized for his song and perhaps a bit of predjudice was aimed at him due to the fact he was Canadian. and while it was the worst of that time, i'm sure some felt funny about the song because it was obviously just about the Detriot riots and this happened nationwide through the mid and late 60s. it'sd interesting when you stop to think about these things isn't it?

[miketouhy]

Valeree once said to me durring the time she operated her tribute site to him he was or might of been critisized for his song and perhaps a bit of predjudice was aimed at him due to the fact he was Canadian. and while it was the worst of that time, i'm sure some felt funny about the song because it was obviously just about the Detriot riots and this happened nationwide through the mid and late 60s. it'sd interesting when you stop to think about these things isn't it?

[Sentimental]

I may be crazy but I always thought the title was from a newpaper headline. In fact, I can see it in my mind. Pretty catchy blub.

[Sentimental]

Sorry, I meant to say blurb.

[JohnBellardJr]

quote:Originally posted by miketouhy:
Valeree once said to me durring the time she operated her tribute site to him he was or might of been critisized for his song and perhaps a bit of predjudice was aimed at him due to the fact he was Canadian. and while it was the worst of that time, i'm sure some felt funny about the song because it was obviously just about the Detriot riots and this happened nationwide through the mid and late 60s. it'sd interesting when you stop to think about these things isn't it?

Can remember an interview (in fact have it on tape) where Gord made reference to the fact that he thought that because he was Canadian, and the riots took place in the US, that he should keep rather a low profile
when speaking about it.



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"Rainy day people always seem to know when it's time to call; Rainy day people don't talk, they just listen, till they've heard it all." - GL

[Aime_41]

quote:Originally posted by miketouhy:
Valeree once said to me durring the time she operated her tribute site to him he was or might of been critisized for his song and perhaps a bit of predjudice was aimed at him due to the fact he was Canadian. and while it was the worst of that time, i'm sure some felt funny about the song because it was obviously just about the Detriot riots and this happened nationwide through the mid and late 60s. it'sd interesting when you stop to think about these things isn't it?

Can remember an interview (in fact have it on tape) where Gord made reference to the fact that he thought that because he was Canadian, and the riots took place in the US, that he should keep rather a low profile
when speaking about it.



------------------
"Rainy day people always seem to know when it's time to call; Rainy day people don't talk, they just listen, till they've heard it all." - GL

[JohnBellardJr]

quote:Originally posted by Kilgore:
I would think he meant a bad day when he sings black day. The word black in this case has nothing to do with race.

Gord has always been aware in his songs of those who are mistreated or the "have-nots". Many of his songs deal with these social issues

You're so right. "Black" in this instance did not refer to the "race" but to the deeds that were done.



------------------
"Rainy day people always seem to know when it's time to call; Rainy day people don't talk, they just listen, till they've heard it all." - GL

[Aime_41]

quote:Originally posted by Kilgore:
I would think he meant a bad day when he sings black day. The word black in this case has nothing to do with race.

Gord has always been aware in his songs of those who are mistreated or the "have-nots". Many of his songs deal with these social issues

You're so right. "Black" in this instance did not refer to the "race" but to the deeds that were done.



------------------
"Rainy day people always seem to know when it's time to call; Rainy day people don't talk, they just listen, till they've heard it all." - GL

[donalli]

does the name black day in july mean that the riot happened at night?

[JohnBellardJr]

quote:Originally posted by idlt4:
does the name black day in july mean that the riot happened at night?

Probably the word "black" is used to describe
the horrific nature of the crimes. But, the
riots went on day and night.

[Aime_41]

quote:Originally posted by idlt4:
does the name black day in july mean that the riot happened at night?

Probably the word "black" is used to describe
the horrific nature of the crimes. But, the
riots went on day and night.

[miketouhy]

quote:Originally posted by Aime_41:
Can remember an interview (in fact have it on tape) where Gord made reference to the fact that he thought that because he was Canadian, and the riots took place in the US, that he should keep rather a low profile
when speaking about it.

i'm sure there was a predjudice on him as aresult of him being Canadian. some in the Detroit area might of also have been bugged by it bcause this had been going on nationwide through the mid to late 60s and 1 might of wondered and bothered by the fact he chose their cityfor his song. it was probably the fact he was from south-western Ontario probably not to far from the US Can. border witch was why he wrote about Detroit. > i inquired about this once not long after i joined and it's posted back a ways that the song was released a little before Martin L. King's assasination and many might of been afraid thew song would cause more trouble perhaps even futher riots witch already happened as a result of you know what.

[miketouhy]

quote:Originally posted by Aime_41:
Can remember an interview (in fact have it on tape) where Gord made reference to the fact that he thought that because he was Canadian, and the riots took place in the US, that he should keep rather a low profile
when speaking about it.

i'm sure there was a predjudice on him as aresult of him being Canadian. some in the Detroit area might of also have been bugged by it bcause this had been going on nationwide through the mid to late 60s and 1 might of wondered and bothered by the fact he chose their cityfor his song. it was probably the fact he was from south-western Ontario probably not to far from the US Can. border witch was why he wrote about Detroit. > i inquired about this once not long after i joined and it's posted back a ways that the song was released a little before Martin L. King's assasination and many might of been afraid thew song would cause more trouble perhaps even futher riots witch already happened as a result of you know what.

[miketouhy]

i was just wondering amyone knoe the exact date the song was released. i know with this month comming to an end and April 4th is the date Martin L. King was killed and while i just check the CBC archives of his radio interview and while the footnote says released after King's death, i think he it might of been released shortly before according to the interview.

[miketouhy]

i was just wondering amyone knoe the exact date the song was released. i know with this month comming to an end and April 4th is the date Martin L. King was killed and while i just check the CBC archives of his radio interview and while the footnote says released after King's death, i think he it might of been released shortly before according to the interview.

[Wesley]

with this being July I wonder if now was the time the larest race riot of the 60s occured.

[Affair on Touhy Ave.]

with this being July I wonder if now was the time the larest race riot of the 60s occured.

[Borderstone]

No,the biggest riot of the 1960's (correct me if I'm wrong) were the L.A./Watts riot of 1964. For info. on that go to a search engine and type in "Watts Riots 1964".

As for the Detroit riot,I found a site by typing in 1967 Riots July and it took me right to it. This riot started 38 years ago on Sunday,July 23rd (yesterday) and lasted until Thursday,July 27th.

[Wesley]

I have to disagree. I have a book and say Detroit was the worst unless you have some other info that says differently. Watta was in 65.

[Affair on Touhy Ave.]

I have to disagree. I have a book and say Detroit was the worst unless you have some other info that says differently. Watta was in 65.

[The Rez]

The Watts Riots were indeed in 1965. When Barry White was 18, like the rest of us in The Rumblers, I used to take him home. He lived in Watts then.

Barry always had a friend come out and meet us at the edge of the war zone. His buddy would take him the rest of the way in.

Even before the riots, Barry would say, "As long as I'm in the car, you're OK. But if you drop me off at home, you'll never make it out of Watts alive." That was dangerously more true after the riots.

A little funny:

Cornell Gunter, then alive and leader of The Coasters made a good gag the first night of the Watts Riots. The Rumblers backed up Cornell and The Coasters at the Hollywood Cinnamon Cinder (Bob Eubanks' place.) The Coasters were late. When they took the stage w/ us, Cornell said, "Sorry to be late, but I was just standin' around w/ a brick in my hand and I had to figure out something to do w/ it."

The Rez

. . . Black Day in LA