Songs for America's 250th birthday

Subject: Songs for America's 250th birthday
From: Susan of DT
Date: 16 Nov 25 - 07:41 AM

I live in a continuing care retirement community, where I lead the ukulele group. There will be a number of programs next year to celebrate America's birthday. I said the ukuleles could do a program of Americana songs. Now I am mulling over what I mean by that. We will probably do this in the second half of the year, so this is not a big rush. Usually, the purpose of my group is to get the residents of the nursing area area to sing. We also do concerts less than monthly for residents in assisted living and independent apartments.

I am thinking about songs from the colonial era thru the 1800s, including at least one song each on soldiers, sailors, cowboys, farmers, westward expansion, and miners. What songs would you include, if you were setting up such a program?

Subject: RE: Songs for America's 250th birthday
From: Joe Offer
Date: 16 Nov 25 - 12:56 PM

First thing that comes to mind is "My Land Is a Good Land," recorded by Pete Seeger. Beats the hell outta "Proud to Be an American."

https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=169712&messages=3

Subject: RE: Songs for America's 250th birthday
From: Thomas Stern
Date: 16 Nov 25 - 10:22 PM

The House I Live In
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovwHkb1wEfU&list=RDovwHkb1wEfU&start_radio=1

Subject: RE: Songs for America's 250th birthday
From: pattyClink
Date: 16 Nov 25 - 10:43 PM

I'd look through the contents of I Hear America Singing.


contents

Subject: RE: Songs for America's 250th birthday
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 16 Nov 25 - 11:22 PM

May I suggest "Yankee Doodle"?

Everyone can join in on the chorus ... and other voices can sing the lyrics, beginning with "Father and I went down to camp."

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

My heart springs with joy to see you posting. THANKS !

Subject: RE: Songs for America's 250th birthday
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Nov 25 - 09:25 AM

I would suggest The World Turned Upside Down (this song starts ~ 1:19 into the video, is set to start a couple of seconds ahead of there.) I can't think of a more accurate portrayal of today from the time of the founders.

Subject: RE: Songs for America's 250th birthday
From: GUEST,gillymor
Date: 17 Nov 25 - 10:22 AM

Ken Burn's American Revolution documentary premiered last night on PBS, I haven't watched it yet but I'll wager it will be filled with period songs, as he does, though they'll likely be played as tunes without lyrics but it might give you some titles to add to your list.

Subject: RE: Songs for America's 250th birthday
From: Susan of DT
Date: 17 Nov 25 - 10:48 AM

I am just at the mulling it over stage. I am looking at the Burl Ives Song Book, Fireside Book of American Songs, and so on. Some songs I am considering:
When I first Came to This Land or Oleanna
Soldier, Soldier Will You Marry Me
Betsy From Pike
Yippee Ti Yi Yoo or Streets of Laredo
Shenandoah or Rolling Home
Song of the Fishes
Yankee Doodle
America the Beautiful
When Johnny Comes Marching Home
Erie Canal

Good to hear from you, too Gargoyle
Dick is long gone - seven years in January. I am oldish, but not ancient - approaching, but not yet 80.