Rally cries abound with a musical special presented by NPR’s Arts Desk that chronicles America’s evolution through song. NHPR will air American Anthem: The Special on Thursday, July 4.
For years, popular music has led the way for the American spirit of grit and independence to ring throughout the nation. Songs such as Fight the Power, This Land is Your Land, Dixie and The Times They Are a Changin’ have served as a response to key moments in political history and inspired solidarity. Each anthem has helped define the collective meaning on what it means to be an American.
NPR’s Elizabeth Blair and Tom Cole host this yearlong series about the songs that inspire, unite and rally citizens. American Anthem: The Special pulls the best of Blair and Cole’s reporting for a one-hour program of reflection on American identity and, of course, great music.
Tune in: Thursday, July 4, at 8 p.m.
Keep listening to hear the Capitol Steps special at 9 p.m. The 39th annual A Capitol Fourth will feature performances by Grammy Award-winning Carole King, violinist Lindsey Sterling, country artist Lee Brice and many others.
Find out more: All the American Anthem episodes can be found here.
