The U.S. is turning 250. These songs unexpectedly changed American history.
6/20/202624 min
From Apple News In Conversation: The United States turns 250 years old this summer — and there’s no shortage of ways to mark the moment. One of the most revealing lenses through which to view the country’s history may be music. Anna Harwell Celenza, professor at Johns Hopkins University and author of On the Record: Music That Changed America, joined Apple News In Conversation guest host David Greene to discuss the hidden political history of American music — from why “The Star-Spangled Banner” became the national anthem to how “Strange Fruit” helped pass anti-lynching legislation — and what music still has to say about democracy now.
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First 90 secondsDavid Greene· Host0:00
[upbeat music] This is In Conversation from Apple News. I'm David Greene in for Shamita Basu. Today, the music that changed America. [upbeat music] This summer marks the 250th anniversary of the United States, and many of us are taking time to reflect on our history and the forces that have made America what it is today. As I was reflecting on how to mark this milestone, I thought about an art form that unites us, brings us joy, and has the ability to affect great change: music.
Anna Harwell Celenza· Guest0:43
I wanted to have us see the power that music can have in our political world.
David Greene· Host0:48
That's Anna Harwell Celenza, a musicology professor at Johns Hopkins University and the author of the book On the Record: Music that Changed America. Her book tells the story of a range of musical works from the Star-Spangled Banner all the way to Hamilton, that whether the artist intended to or not, changed how Americans think about the issues that define us, and sometimes even motivated lawmakers to act. I sat down with Anna to explore her four favorite examples from the book, how they show up in our lives today, and why music is at the heart of America's story. We can't talk about our nation having a big birthday without