Some of the most famous bands and musicians of the 60s and 70s were behind much of the protest movement's anti-war music, whether intentionally or not. Musicians and bands included Neil Young, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Crosby Stills, Nash & Young, Bob Marley, Cat Stevens and Bob Dylan, arguably the most influential of them all. Numerous modern bands have also taken up the tradition of writing songs against political actions and wars.
Public acceptance of anti-war music was overwhelmingly positive, especially by the youth of the 60s and 70s. People like those in the hippie movement and the counter culture accepted anti-war songs wholeheartedly, while millions of teenagers and college students in the general public became fans as well. The fact that such famous songs are so well known today, and still popular amongst millions is a testament to this. The Vietnam war was extremely unpopular amongst many people during the time, and the anti-war songs of popular culture during the time were like a magnet to millions looking for a way to show their dislike.
Media played a crucial role in both criticizing and promoting the spread of protest music. If this seems contradictory it's because the two are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Often what the media condemnsgains all the more popularity amongst a population of young people already getting into a spirit of rebellion. Furthermore, all sorts of new media and more youth-targeted forums emerged which actively spread word about anti-war bands and songs. Well known examples included "Rolling Stone" and "Playboy" magazines.
In politics, anti-war music arguably had little effect. The Vietnam War continued on until 1974 and the fall of Saigon, despite nearly a decade of the protest movement and the music which supported it. It would seem, looking at the history of the time, that political and military factors had far more to do with senior politicians' decisions than the pressures of mass protest and popular culture. Oddly, despite the strong impact the anti-war music of the 60s and 70s had on youth of voting age, presidents who continued the war were still elected. This trend continues into modern times. Although numerous songs have been written, and numerous anti-war protests performed against the military invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan, current policy among major western governments maintains a continued presence in these countries.