u/Competitive-Class870

Putting together a vinyl playlist and am doing some research into the underground music culture of the early Vietnam War era (1954–1964). Would love to hear any firsthand memories or family stories about the underground music scene from this specific era! Thank you to all who served!

Edit: I'm realizing that it was mostly advisors sent that early in the conflict and I will eventually also be researching middle and late Vietnam War Era music. Were there any songs that maybe were, I guess, considered anti-war during this time? (Please Mr. Kennedy sung by the Goldcoast Singers in 1962, as an example?)

Any ideas on some music from the French in Vietnam from this time, even?

I'm researching the music culture of the early Vietnam War era (1954–1964). Armed Forces Radio Network (AFRS, later AFVN) was notoriously conservative. They heavily filtered out raw rock ’n’ roll, early garage rock, and rhythm & blues due to "juvenile delinquent" vibes or perceived sexual innuendo (think Link Wray’s "Rumble" or Hank Ballard). They also restricted "death discs" like "Tell Laura I Love Her" to protect morale.

I'm looking for documented accounts, playlist data, or specific song titles that troops were desperate to hear. What specific 45s were families smuggling into care packages? Are there any known stories of service members running "pirate" setups late at night to play forbidden music?

Any reading recommendations, archival links, or specific song leads would be greatly appreciated!