regardless of your politics, the Ballad of Hurricane is an awesome song, both musically and in terms of its influence. I don't think there's anyone who became aware of Carter in the mid / late 70s who was not influenced by that song. If it was just lousy preaching, then it would not have had its impact. It just swirls with power and pacing. You (and I) may not have been convinced of his innocence by some celebrity's appeal, but you probably did not give Carter a single thought before you hear that song.
As an aside, Marvin Hagler is associated with Brockton boxing, but his early childhood was in Newark. His mom left right after the rioting that is the backdrop for Carter's arrest.
