[Dixielandjazz] Our National Anthem

[Bill Gunter]

Hi Listmates,

Steve Barbone wrote:

>I think "America The Beautiful" should be our National Anthem. Or,
>failing that, we should hold a national competition among Americans to
>write an original score for Key's words . . .

Ah me . . . for what it's worth the National Anthem is what it is and any 
attempt to change it at this point would only tick off large percentages of 
the population and whatever would be selected as a replacement melody would 
not be accepted by everyone who submitted a suggestion.

Established themes (such as the anthem) take on a life of their own and will 
elicit an emotional reaction from most Americans regardless of the musical 
"worthiness" of the melody. Otherwise we wouldn't get so ticked off when 
somebody takes excessive liberties with it.

Same thing with "Amazing Grace" -- just because it can be sung to the tune 
of the Gilligan's Island theme doesn't mean that it should be done!

Respectfully submitted,

Bill "Love That Anthem" Gunter
jazzboard@hotmail.com




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