Odetta • Battle Hymn of the Republic

As this is Veterans Day, I thought I would just offer my salute to those who have served the country bravely and heroically with the amazing "Battle Hymn of the Republic". The song, with lyrics by American writer Julia Ward Howe using the music from the song "John Brown's Body", was written in November 1861 and first published in 'The Atlantic Monthly' in February 1862. I chose this version by the great Odetta, off her 1959 album, 'My Eyes Have Seen'. This is the "Battle Hymn of the Republic".

Thank you to all who have served!

Veteran's Day • Military Music

To celebrate Veteran's Day, I thought I would combine not only a great appreciation for all the men and women who have served this country over the last few centuries, helping to preserve the democracy, and allowing me the opportunity to write in this blog whatever the hell I'd like, covering the music and topics I love. Tonight, I bring you bands featuring the members of the military, starting with the United States Army Band and Chorus performing "The Army Goes Rolling Along," a well-known song that makes everyone what to sing along. In fact, it is also known as "The Army Song" by many. It was written by field artillery First Lieutenant Edmund L. Gruber, Lieutenant William Bryden, and Lieutenant Robert Danford while stationed at Fort Stotsenburg in the Philippines in March 1908.

I just seems like it would be wrong to do a post like this, and not include the music of John Philip Sousa, so I will off you "Liberty Bell," written by Sousa in 1893. While it was definitely written as a military march, some might recognize from when it was used over the credits of Monty Python's Flying Circus. Enjoy this great live version by the United States Army Band.

"Stars & Strips Forever" was written by John Philip Sousa in 1896. It was first performed in public in 1897, and was an instant success with military people and music lovers alike. In fact, the Congress decreed the song to be the official National March of the United States of America. Here is a stirring version by the The 23rd Army Band of the Utah National Guard.

The final song comes from a somewhat dark period in our history. The song was written by Louis Lambert in 1863, and was sung by both sides of the American Civil War. It is a haunting song that longs for the return of loved ones, family, and friends who are away, fighting as part of the national military. I really enjoy this version of "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" performed by the United States Military Band.

Happy Veteran's Day. Have you thanked a member of the military today?

Johnny Cash • "The Battle Hymn Of The Republic"

As today is the official day to celebrate Veteran's Day, I thought I would offer you a very specsal version of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic."  Here is is sung by the late, great Johnny Cash. Please enjoy it.

Have a great Sunday!

Happy Veteran's Day

Clockwise from Top Left: Judy Garland, Vocal Majority, Village People & Marine Corps All-Star Jazz Band.

As we in the United States give our thanks to the men and women who have served this country in the armed forces. And by saying that, I mean all people, gay and str8. I thought I would try to celebrate it the way I do best here at this blog, with music. I will start with something I can think of little to say, and here is why. This is a clip of Judy Garland sings The Battle Hymn of the Republic. Amazing!



The choral group Vocal Majority is an amazing Dallas-based group that has won countless titles in competitions all over. Here is a clip of them celebrating the armed forces in a medley of the songs from each of the branches.



The Marine Corps All-Star Jazz Band has a wonderful tribute to the forces a couple of years ago, playing a jazz version of the Marine Hymn. Although it might not have a bunch of sexy dancing, it was still a delight and quite fun.



Of course, I would be unable to do this post without the tribute to the armed forces from the Village People, and their iconic In The Navy. I would have to think the appearance on the battleship was not endorsed by the Navy, but the flag routine is worth the cost of admission!



Happy Veteran's Day!

Happy Veterans Day!

Clockwise from Top Left: White Christmas scene, Cher, Village People & Gene Simmons & Friends.

As we in the United States give our thanks to the men and women who have served this country in the armed forces. And by saying that, I mean all people, gay and str8. I thought I would try to celebrate it the way I do best here at this blog, with music. One of my favorite military-themed musical numbers comes from the movie White Christmas. The song, Gee, I Wish I Was Back In The Army, featured the musical talents of Danny Kaye, Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen. It had quite the sense of humor, and some fun music and props!



Of course, few tributes to the men and women in the armed forces could top Cher's in her video for If I Could Turn Back Time. I mean, what means military more than an aircraft carrier, a group of sailers in their dress whites, a woman in a body stocking with a well-placed ribbon and a leather jacket? Not to mention the rather large and protruding artillery...



Gene Simmons had his own tribute to the armed forces a couple of years ago, although it was not as sexy as Cher's, it was still heart-felt and quite fun.



Of course, I would be unable to do this post without the tribute to the armed forces from the Village People, and their iconic In The Navy. Unlike in Cher's video, I would have to think the appearance on the battleship was not endorsed by the Navy, but the flag routine is worth the cost of admission!



Happy Veteran's Day!