God Bless America
Brooke Ohnmeis, Jessica Bolte, Justine Woofter, Justin Haun
Historical Background
"God Bless America," by Irving Berlin was originally composed for a World War I musical that was for the soldiers going off to war. The song got its name because of Berlin's mother. She escaped the Russian pogroms in 1893 and Berlin said that he always remembers his mother saying, "God Bless America!" The song got most of its attention after Kate Smith, one of the most popular female vocalists. She visited Berlin's studio and asked for a song that was both patriotic and reverent. Some of the lyrics were changed and on November 11th, 1938, which is now Veterans' Day, Smith performed the song to her audience.
Origin of Composer
Irving Berlin's Use for "God Bless America"
Song Transition
In today's day we use the song frequently in notable public performances such as at the beginning of hockey, baseball, football games etc. It is also used for government. "God Bless America" is the official campaign song for F.D.R. (represents cultural and religious tolerance). The song played on T.V. broadcast on Sept. 11th, 2011. Congress broke out spontaneously in God Bless America. July 21st, 2011, it played as NASA's final wakeup call for the space shuttle Atlantis, capping 30-year shuttle program
Fun Facts
- Inspired by "This Land Is Your Land"
- Irvin Berlin was Jewish. Because of this the KKK and Nazi-affiliated German American Bunds boycotted the song because he had no right to incorporate God in his song. Nazi's believed the song was an anthem for Jewish conspiracy for control.
- Kate Smith version is the well known recorded version of the song in today's day
Works Cited
https://blog.oup.com/2013/07/six-surprising-facts-about-god-bless-america/
http://blog.timesunion.com/chuckmiller/the-history-and-legacy-of-god-bless-america/2315/
Chuck Miller, Posted on July 3, 2010
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God_Bless_America
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