William Henry Harrison's 1840 campaign helped usher in the modern presidential campaign. Songs from the early republic were far more poetic, as represented by the song Jefferson and Liberty. The Harrison campaign probably had the most songs written for it and in the long run will likely be overwhelmingly represented on our pages. Within that body of work includes the song Harrison and Liberty.The authors clearly want to build on the spirit of Jefferson even though the lyrics are representative of the new campaign style. Modern listeners will notice that the original song disdains "bigots," while the Harrison version is eager to show Harrison's military record against Indians.
American Pioneer Music Blog
Election Songs Grows! Listen and Learn
Election Songs will now feature lyrics from past Presidential Campaigns as we transform into the one stop resources for historians, educators and students. We will post vocal sketches for some of these songs as well, which will be valuable for readers that are not familiar with some of the 18th and 19th century melodies.
May we recommend that you start with Jefferson and Liberty
Lyrics have been added and our constantly expanding for:
Even better we are posting lyrics for some of the losing candidates as well!
Happy Days are Here Again!
Billboard Magazine published a story today regarding Barbra Streisand reciting the tune "Happy Days are Here Again" in reference to the Hillary Clinton campaign. The song became affiliated with Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1932 campaign and has become attached to the Democratic Party. Originally it was not intended to be a political song. Much like Dan Emmett's "Dixie's Land," it has taken on a life of its own far beyond its original purpose. Of course Ms. Streisand was forced to change some of the lyrics as there is currently a Democrat in the White House.
The Candidates from New York has arrived!
"The Candidates from New York" is here! 10 modern campaign songs, 5 for Trump and 5 for Clinton, with classic melodies rooted in past presidential campaigns. Check it out!
Our New Album is almost here!
The past is about to meet the present. Is this cartoon about Donald Trump and Ted Cruz or was it about the 1864 Democratic Party Convention? American Pioneer Music featured on Back Story Radio
Listen to American Pioneer Music's latest feature on Back Story Radio's recent episode about the history of the GOP.
"Abraham Ain't It So" or a Political Cartoon?
A well known Lincoln Historian, Harold Holzer, wrote about Geroge McClellan's electoral win in New York City claiming that it was the result of a racist political cartoon. The article is worth reading for individuals interested in the 1864 election. The cartoon that Holzer writes about is also on our website; it is called "The Miscegination Ball."
Holzer briefly mentions some of the political reasons for opposing the Lincoln administration. On the album "Abraham Lincoln and the 1864 Election," one of the anti-Lincoln tracks, "Abraham Ain't It So" evaluates the policy reasons for disliking Lincoln, while also stirring racial animosity. As the campaign songs demonstrate from McClellan song books, these sentiments were spread much wider than New York City: McClellan did well in other urban locations as well. Political cartoons were an important part of campaigns as were the election songs; both must be evaluated closeldy to understand how candidates were perceived during presidential races.
Holzer briefly mentions some of the political reasons for opposing the Lincoln administration. On the album "Abraham Lincoln and the 1864 Election," one of the anti-Lincoln tracks, "Abraham Ain't It So" evaluates the policy reasons for disliking Lincoln, while also stirring racial animosity. As the campaign songs demonstrate from McClellan song books, these sentiments were spread much wider than New York City: McClellan did well in other urban locations as well. Political cartoons were an important part of campaigns as were the election songs; both must be evaluated closeldy to understand how candidates were perceived during presidential races.
Album Review from Jamsphere
"Abraham Lincoln and the 1864 Election" received a fabulous review from Jamsphere, an independent music magazine. The full review can be read here.
Civil War Music Explained
Civil War Music is often an important part of the American folk tradition. Tunes such as "Dixie's Land" may have taken on new significance with time; however, the original songs were quickly used by individuals to spread new messages. This trend did not start during the Civil War but the war brought about a series of large events that were unique in American history, including conscription, paper money, and an unprecedented constitutional crisis.
In reality, there is no such genre as Civil War Music: the modern colloquial use of the term refers to the collection of lyrics and music that are about events that occurred between 1861-1865. Most songs written during the period were based on melodies from Scotland, England and Ireland, or from minstrel or church hymns. The tunes were all well known and therefore easy to be sung. Sheet music could also be printed without musical notes; there would be a notation of the tune called an "Air" with the new set of lyrics.
Often, tunes that are identified with the Civil War Era were not actually written during the war. A perfect example is the tune to "John Brown's Body"/"The Battle Hymn of the Republic". The original music was actually from the late 1850's , written for a church hymn called "Say, Brothers Will you, Meet Us". This a perfect example of why Civil War Music itself is really a modern term that does not properly explain the musical period from 1861-1865.
In reality, there is no such genre as Civil War Music: the modern colloquial use of the term refers to the collection of lyrics and music that are about events that occurred between 1861-1865. Most songs written during the period were based on melodies from Scotland, England and Ireland, or from minstrel or church hymns. The tunes were all well known and therefore easy to be sung. Sheet music could also be printed without musical notes; there would be a notation of the tune called an "Air" with the new set of lyrics.
Often, tunes that are identified with the Civil War Era were not actually written during the war. A perfect example is the tune to "John Brown's Body"/"The Battle Hymn of the Republic". The original music was actually from the late 1850's , written for a church hymn called "Say, Brothers Will you, Meet Us". This a perfect example of why Civil War Music itself is really a modern term that does not properly explain the musical period from 1861-1865.
Abraham Lincoln Election Songs hit Itunes
American Pioneer Music's first release hit itunes this week. For many years, folk singers, civil war buffs, and even mainstream artists have recorded songs from the 1800s. A review of the Lincoln albums on itunes consist mainly of versions of similar 19th century songs. Most albums will contain "Dixie's Land," "The Battle Cry of Freedom," "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "When Johnny Comes Marching Home." Generally the Abraham Lincoln name is used as a label to build interest in these songs. Unfortunately, they often do not have a direct connection to the 16th president.
There are rare instances that a Lincoln album contains a campaign song. Usually, we find it is the song "Lincoln and Liberty," which was written during his 1860 run for office. This song is recorded often for a couple of reasons. First, the tune is an old Irish folk song called "Rosin the Beau"-- a very catchy melody that modern listeners find enjoyable. Secondly, the Weavers recorded the song many years ago, which makes it more well known among folk singers. The problem is that the song becomes more popular for modern audiences than during the year 1860.
The new album "Abraham Lincoln and the 1864 Election" is different in that it offers songs that have not been recorded previously, with the exception of "Rally Round the Cause Boys" (Oscar Brand recorded an edited version in 1960). Moreover, six of the songs are against the now popular president. Since this album is dedicated to the 1864 campaign, McClellan is given an equal amount of songs in the compilation. It is rare that 19th Century music albums have songs that are critical of Lincoln. Without the right balance, history students assume that only one point of view existed. History and politics is always much more complicated. Music cannot make the learning experience easier; however, history buffs can have a glimpse into how people living in 1864 perceived the candidates and the language that was used to "sell" a candidate.
There are rare instances that a Lincoln album contains a campaign song. Usually, we find it is the song "Lincoln and Liberty," which was written during his 1860 run for office. This song is recorded often for a couple of reasons. First, the tune is an old Irish folk song called "Rosin the Beau"-- a very catchy melody that modern listeners find enjoyable. Secondly, the Weavers recorded the song many years ago, which makes it more well known among folk singers. The problem is that the song becomes more popular for modern audiences than during the year 1860.
The new album "Abraham Lincoln and the 1864 Election" is different in that it offers songs that have not been recorded previously, with the exception of "Rally Round the Cause Boys" (Oscar Brand recorded an edited version in 1960). Moreover, six of the songs are against the now popular president. Since this album is dedicated to the 1864 campaign, McClellan is given an equal amount of songs in the compilation. It is rare that 19th Century music albums have songs that are critical of Lincoln. Without the right balance, history students assume that only one point of view existed. History and politics is always much more complicated. Music cannot make the learning experience easier; however, history buffs can have a glimpse into how people living in 1864 perceived the candidates and the language that was used to "sell" a candidate.