Music can help interpret history. People write what they feel, and if others can relate to it, even better. “Music can offer a more accurate picture of people and events than any other method available.” This is a very true statement, especially when historians have little to base facts off.
In the Colonial Era, from about 1606-1776, religious music was popular, especially English hymns brought to America. Around 1667, Benjamin Franklin published a book of ballads and operas also came onto the scene. Religious music, nursery rhymes, ballads, and political songs were the most popular. Songs to represent this time period are A Mighty Fortress is Our God, The Eighth of January, and Yankee Doodle.
Printing single songs began during the Revolutionary War and the post-colonial era. African slaves began to write music, and folk music and ballads were very popular. Music was still very closely linked to England. In 1814, the Star Spangled Banner was written. Other representations of this period are Rock of Ages, America, Oh Shenandoah!, Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes, and Johnny’s Gone For a Soldier. The most popular genres were fiddle tunes, negro spirituals and slave songs, and folk music.
During the Civil War and the Reconstruction era was all about political and military events. Some good examples are still well known today, such as Amazing Grace, Battle Hymn of the Republic, When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again, and Carry me Back to Old Virginny. The popular genres of music diversified, including Civil War music, gospel, Mother Goose, work songs (for railroads and western expansion), ragtime, Broadway musicals, old time music, Texas music, minstrelry, and jazz. Folklore music also began its roots there, including Indians’, negroes’, mountaineers’, cowboys’, lumberjacks’, and sailors’ music.
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