Patriotic songs
With lyrics by a professor describing the view of the Great Plains from atop Pikes Peak, this tribute to our country calls to mind stirring American landscapes. The music was composed by a church organist. Glaucoma left Ray Charles blind at the age of 7, leaving him to imagine America in his mind's eye.
Originally written by Lee Greenwood, "God Bless the USA" has been covered by innumerable musicians. Beyoncé's 2011 release drives the words home and gives it a beat.
Picking just one patriotic Toby Keith song is like trying to eat just one potato chip. A multitalented performer, this 6-foot-4, 240-pound former defensive back can be tender or tough. "American Soldier" highlights a serviceman's struggle to fulfill the duties of family and country.
"Born in the USA" was the best-selling album of 1985. Bruce Springsteen's blue-collar roots shine through, and it's just plain fun to hear. Famous celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz shot the iconic album cover
The words to America's national anthem were written by an amateur poet who witnessed the Battle of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. It borrowed the music from a popular British drinking song. Many musicians have won acclaim for their interpretations. Watch Jimi Hendrix play it and watch Mariah Carey nail the high note.
If this song sounds familiar, that's because it shares a few chords with Charlie Daniels' biggest hit, 'The Devil Went Down to Georgia', which was featured in this film starring Tyra Banks.
Aaron Tippin first earned national attention with his debut single, "You've Got to Stand for Something". "Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly" was inspired by the attacks on 9/11.
Lynyrd Skynyrd is famous for "Sweet Home Alabama", which was further popularized in this Oscar winner for Best Motion Picture, and "Free Bird". "Red White and Blue" pays tribute to the kind and strong everyday Americans who make this country great.
Keni Thomas was an Army Ranger during the Battle of Mogadishu. In "Flags of Our Fathers," Thomas remembers parades where Old Glory flew proudly and men and women of all generations commemorated those who fought and died for our country.
Country's Martina McBride attracted controversy over "Independence Day", the story of a woman fighting back against years of abuse. Many radio stations refused to air the song, though it won Video and Song of the Year at the Country Music Awards
Though the songwriting power team of Brooks & Dunn broke up in 2009, they left fans with dozens of hits, including 'Only in America,' a celebration of American opportunity.
"Living in America, got to have a celebration!" Who could say it better than funk legend James Brown ? A famous film featured his 'Living in America'
Woody Guthrie's impact on American music cannot be overstated. From writing dozens of classic American folk ballads to mentoring Bob Dylan and Pete Seeger, Guthrie helped America find its soul, through the good times and the bad.
In "Power and the Glory," Phil Ochs sings that America's "power shall rest on the strength of her freedom," an important sentiment to celebrate during the Fourth of July -- and every other day.
Country legend Johnny Cash wrote many songs about life in America, but none was more patriotic than "Ragged Old Flag". Cash produces a stirring spoken-word performance that tells the story of a small town's flag that's poor in looks but rich in history.
Folk-country legend Willie Nelson has released countless classic American songs. Albums such as "Red Headed Stranger", as well as dozens of movie appearances, have helped make him a household name. "Living in the Promiseland" is about the transformative powers of America.
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