Fun Facts About Patriotic Music for the 4th of July

One of the most powerful emotions expressed by citizens on America's 4^th of July holiday is generated by patriotic music. Patriotic music has been written, published, recorded, and performed on the 4^th of July by military groups, rock artists, country artists, symphonies, religious groups, solo artists, rap artists, and well, just about anyone who can sing. Even those who cannot sing, like Roseanne Barr, try to sing patriotic songs to express their allegiance to America.

The Library of Congress has one of the largest collections of "Patriotic Melodies" in the nation. The web site features recordings, sheet music, manuscript scores, song sheets, and other print materials for the most famous patriotic melodies. Materials for additional patriotic music will continue to be added. Here are a few highlights from The Library of Congress (click here to see entire collection).

God Bless America (click title to hear Kate Smith sing at 1974 Stanley Cup)

This song is considered America's unofficial national anthem. A five-year old immigrant originally composed God Bless America while headed to America from Siberia. Irving Berlin wrote the original song version in 1918. Kate Smith's historic broadcast was performed on November 11, 1938.

America the Beautiful (click title to hear John Denver sing with symphony)

Katherine Lee Bates wrote this song in 1893 while on a lecture trip to Colorado. A group of strangers celebrated the close of the session by taking an expedition to the top of Pikes Peak. A couple of the visitors fell ill from the altitude, so their stay on the Peak was cut short. It was during the descent in prairie wagons that Bates wrote the opening words to America the Beautiful.

This Land is Your Land (click title to hear Arlo Guthrie sing his Father's song)