_JPG.jpg)
It's Memorial Day, and once again--as in years past--I found it difficult to find a patriotic hit song from the '70s I could highlight. Most war-related songs from the decade were protest songs about the Vietnam War.
It was a sign of the times.
However, there was one patriotic song that actually charted TWICE during 1976: "America the Beautiful."
But before you read any further, here's a bit of trivia: "America the Beautiful" was written by Katherine Lee Bates in 1895. Church organist and choirmaster Samuel A. Ward of Grace Episcopal Church in Newark, New Jersey, had written the music years before for a hymn called, "O, Mother Jerusalem."
In 1910, Samuel put the music with the poem, and with a few lyrical tweaks, the song was finally complete.
Trivia: Katherine and Samuel never met!
In 1972, Ray Charles recorded the first version to chart...but just barely. When it was released as a single for the Bicentennial in 1976, It peaked at just #98 on the Rhythm & Blues Chart.
Over on the Country Chart, Charlie Rich had quite a bit more success with HIS Bicentennial version, peaking at #22.
Both of these versions of "America the Beautiful" are "Great Songs," each in their own different way. Enjoy them, and this Memorial Day, remember those who served: All gave some, and some gave ALL.
Tomorrow: Chaka made it Great. Then Whitney showed up. Coming THURSDAY: Great Songs of the '80s!
Comments