Happy Memorial Day. Here are some essential songs, including Grand Funk Railroad’s timeless classic “We’re an American Band.”
Among songs from folks wearing shirts are Jimi Hendrix’s “Star Spangled Banner” and Marian Anderson’s historic performance of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” at the Lincoln Memorial. Here are two versions of God Bless America: One by composer Irving Berlin and one by Kate Smith, who is most closely associated with the song.
Here are some books to check out.
Duke Ellington brought class, sophistication and style to jazz which, until that point, was proudly unpolished and raucous. His story is profound. The author, Terry Teachout, also wrote "Pops," the acclaimed bio of Louis Armstrong. Click here or on the image.
What else is there to say? Here is the story behind every song written by The Beatles. Click here or on the image.
The Grateful Dead don't get enough credit for the profound nature of its lyrics. Many of the band's songs are driven by a deep and literate Americana ("I'm Uncle Sam/That's who I am/Been hidin' out/In a rock and roll band" and "Majordomo Billy Bojangles/Sit down and have a drink with me/What's this about Alabama/Keeps comin' back to me?").
David Dodd's exhaustive study tells the story, song by song. Click here or on the image.
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