Music Library Blog

Fourth of July Playlist

On YouTube we've created a Fourth of July playlist! The music chosen is meant to inspire patriotism and explore a small portion of the nation’s history. Much of the music is written by American composers, such as Samuel A. Ward, George M. Cohan, Irving Berlin, and John Philip Sousa. John Philip Sousa is known as “The March King” for setting the standard march form with his 136 march compositions. Sousa served as the director of the United States Marine Band from 1880 to 1892, helping the Marine Band rise to prominence where he also became well known. After leaving the military, Sousa’s music was so popular in the United States, and around the world, that he toured with his Sousa Band for nearly 40 years. 

Other music included are patriotic and folk songs known to many who grew up in the United States. The songs “America the Beautiful,” "America (My Country, 'Tis of Thee)," and “The Star…