Johnny Rebel

Johnny Rebel, a white supremacist musician, gained notoriety for his racist music promoting segregation and white supremacy.

Country Singer

October 3, 1938

September 03, 2016

77

Johnny Rebel, born Clifford Joseph Trahan on September 25, 1938, was an American country singer and songwriter known for his highly controversial songs supporting white supremacy and segregation. Active in the 1960s, Rebel’s music gained popularity in Southern juke joints under the stage name Johnny Rebel for J.D. Jay Miller’s Reb Rebel label. Some of his notable songs include “We Don’t Want Niggers in Our School,” “If I Could Be a Nigger for a Day,” and “KKK.”

Despite the lack of radio airplay, Rebel’s music found a new audience with the rise of the internet in the early 2000s. In 2001, he hired fan Brad Herman as his manager, leading to renewed fame. However, his songs continued to face criticism and bans for their offensive content, sparking debates about freedom of speech and the propagation of hate speech.

Rebel’s music has been condemned by civil rights groups and anti-racism organizations, and he has been accused of promoting hate speech and inciting violence. Despite the controversy, his music remains popular among some white supremacist groups.

Johnny Rebel passed away on September 3, 2016, at the age of 77, leaving behind a complex legacy that continues to be debated and discussed.