How Rock 'n Roll Helped Overthrow a Dictatorship - Portugal Music History
Channel: Becoming Portuguese
Date: 2023-03-11

If you're interested in music history, be sure to watch this.
👉 And be sure to visit Lisbon's @groovierecords4355  when visiting Lisbon.

The history of rock 'n roll in Portugal is absolutely fascinating. Not only are there so many untold stories -- thankfully described in this video by luminary Edgar Raposo, of Lisbon's Groovie Records-- but other stories about important musicians that have only been appreciated by few until recent times.

A bit more background: In early 1974, Portugal was ruled by a decades-long dictatorship. Zeca (José Afonso) was a folk musician and one of the most famous people in Portugal. Zeca had recorded a revolutionary folk song called "Grândola, Vila Morena," which angered the government. He was arrested many times, but the government was afraid to martyr him. The song spoke to the Portuguese people about their rights and their desire for democracy.

On 25 April, 1974, "Grândola, Vila Morena" and Portugal's Eurovision entry song were played on radio stations nationwide as a cue for the Army to start their operation. Citizens were so happy and grateful, they flooded the streets, cheering, handing out sandwiches to the soldiers, and giving carnation flowers. (Hence the name "Carnation Revolution.") The song is still seen in Portugal as a powerful statement against fascism. 

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