CBS Keeps Lena Horne’s Civil Right’s Song “Now” Off New York Radio

Lena Horne’s civil rights record “Now” was vetoed from CBS Radio’s playlist in New York according to reports (November 5, 1963).

Program Director Joseph Cook said his decision to keep the record off of CBS’ playlist had nothing to do with the song’s Civil Right’s statement.

According to Cook the record was a “wailer” and like Rock ‘n Roll did not fit into the station’s music policy.

“I thought it was a funny and charming song,” Ms. Horne said. “But I wouldn’t want to dictate taste. I would not want to fight a gargantua.”