It’s easy for Independence Day to come and go with merely a few fireworks and a cookout. Hopefully it’s also a time to reflect on our nation’s journey to freedom. Chances are, this July 4th you’ll hear some of the best stories of our history and may not even know it.
We’ve compiled a few patriotic pieces for your own fireworks soundtrack and included why these songs became part of our American narrative:
Fanfare for the Common Man
For creating such a distinctly American style of composition, Aaron Copeland is known as the dean of American composers. He wrote this dramatic and powerful piece during World War II as a morale booster for the nation.
Stars and Stripes Forever
Probably the most recognizable march on the planet, John Philip Sousa composed this piece in 1896 after serving as the head of the Marine Band. Today the composition has been officially declared the National March of the USA. Sousa, known as “The March King,” also composed the well known “Washington Post March.”
America, the Beautiful
Probably the most popular patriotic song aside from our national anthem. In 1895 Katherine Bates, an English professor, took a cross country journey that inspired her to write a poem that was published two years later on July 4th. Her lyrics were then added to music by Samuel Ward. Unfortunately, the two never met and Ward died before ever hearing the inspiring combination.
The Star Spangled Banner
The lyrics come from a poem written in 1814 by Francis Scott Key, after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry by British ships during the War of 1812. After the fighting stopped, Key anxiously waited till dawn to see whose flag would be flying – of course the stars and stripes were still there. Our military began using the song in the late 19th century, which led to it becoming our national anthem in 1931.
God Bless America
Written by famed composer Irving Berlin in 1918 while he served in the Army, the tune was meant as a prayer for guidance. Berlin revived it and rewrote a few lyrics in 1938 as a peace song in response to Hitler’s increasing threat. The song was a hit and Berlin dedicated all the royalties to the Boy and Girl Scouts of America.
Battle Hymn of the Republic
Written and made popular during the Civil War, the song by William Steffe and Julia Howe has evolved from a military song of the North to a part of our unified nation’s fabric. Interestingly, it was written by an abolitionist more than 100 years before Martin Luther King, Jr. quoted the song in what would be his final sermon before his assassination. His final public words were, “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”
© 2008 Jessica Horwitz
If fighting for a small spot of pavement on Lenox Rd to watch fireworks is your nightmare, consider heading to Athens for The Classic City July 4th American Music Festival.
It’s actually a two day (July 3 & 4) event at The Melting Point featuring 14 bands performing American folk and bluegrass. Doors open at 2 p.m. A single day general admission pass is $17 and a two day pass is $27.
The festival will gather some quality acts, but if you can’t make it out, here are a few of the artists to check out:
The Packway Handle Band, The Great Atomic Power
Cherryholmes, You Don’t Know What Love Is
The Whiskey Gentry, Clarkesville
Art Rosenbaum, Cacklin’ Hen
Shannon Whitworth, No Expectations
For our second summer beach mix, we thought we’d pay tribute the 1960s surf sound that is being revived by more than a few of today’s bands. Hazy coastal pop, wavy Fender guitars, cavernous reverb on vocals, and a lo-fi production with a touch of the psychedelic; these retro sounding cuts evoke the heart of The Endless Summer. Clicking on a song will take you to iTunes.
Criminals – Atlas Sound
Zebra – Beach House
This Is Real – Best Coast
Two Steps – Dignan
Small Deaths – The Dodos
Carry Me – The Explorers Club
About Face – Grizzly Bear
World News – Local Natives
Excuses – The Morning Benders
Blue Skies – Noah and the Whale
Beach Comber – Real Estate
California – Rogue Wave
Adventure Tour – Ruby Suns
Four Corners – The Sea and Cake
I Sing I Swim – Seabear
New Slang – The Shins
Suit Yourself – Shout Out Louds
Take It Easy – Surfer Blood
Louis Armstrong said, “Never play anything the same way twice.” If that’s one of the marks of a good jazz musician, then live music should be more of a test of improvisation than repetition. There’s no better place to try out this premise than the 33rd Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival. After two years of alternative locations, the country’s largest free jazz festival will return to Piedmont Park Memorial Day weekend.
The Atlanta Jazz Festival will showcase a collection of jazz veterans and up-and-comers spanning a variety of jazz styles. Performers will include Spyro Gyra, Stanley Clarke Band with pianist Hiromi, Marcus Miller and Grammy winner Diane Schuur with drummer and composer Jason Marsalis.
Noon-11 p.m. May 29 & 30. Free entrance.
Micah Dalton
Living at the intersection of R&B, soul, Southern folk, country and blues is the music of Micah Dalton. The Atlanta artist is releasing his latest project, “Gathered ‘Round the Greasefire,” Sunday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m. at Eddie’s Attic.
We recently sat down with Micah to hear and talk about his new EP:
How is this recording different than previous projects?
In the past when I recorded I tried to take a production-based approach. This time I wanted it to be simpler and more song oriented so they stand on their own. Also, this project is very raw and the themes are more personal. While I was writing these songs my life experiences were dynamic and grimy. The music is influenced by difficulty and so I put more colored transparency in this project.
What does the title “Gathered ‘Round the Greasefire” mean?
I had this mental image of us symbolically standing around a campfire combined with the problem of a kitchen grease fire. The idea is that as we live in community with each other we stand there watching our houses catch on fire. We want everything to be fine but we aren’t putting out the fire. We’re standing next to each other ignoring the problem.
How are you evolving as an artist?
I’m more self aware of my art and music. You start out very ambitious and bring everything you can into your music. Now I’m learning to fine tune my music and carve out instead of adding on. Also, while soul music is still at my core I’m developing so it’s not derivative but it’s my own style and essence. My music is less a literal replication of influences like Neil Young, Willie Nelson, Paul Simon, and Linda Martell and more of who I am.
Why have you chosen to stay in Atlanta?
I grew up here and it’s where I’m comfortable. The structure of a big city sometimes makes it hard for people to connect but we are still the cultural epicenter of the South and Atlanta is a very satisfying creative outlet. With my multi-cultural background, it’s a good place to live with the tension between country and R&B and to be authentic to both folk and the black experience. In the spirit of the South we love the familiar but in a new way of integrating a lot of music elements that speak to people.
