Music and American Culture

• Jeanie with the light brown hair: written by Stephen Foster
• Kiss Me Again: from Mademoiselle Modiste music by Victor Herbert, word by Henry Blossom
• Major General’s Song: from The Pirate of Penzance, music by Arthur Sullivan, word by W.S Gilbert
• Stars and Stripes Forever: written by John Philip Sousa
• Good Lord: unknown composer
• Hoe, Emma Hoe: composer unknown
• My Good Lord Done Been Here: Composer Unknown
• Swing Low Sweet Chariot: Composer Unknown
• St. Louis Blues: By W.C Handy, sung by Bessie Smith
• Sam Jones Blues: by Bessie Smith
• Crazy Blues: By Mamie Smith
• Prove it on me Blues: By Ma Rainy
• Long Lonesome Blues: By Blind Lemon Jefferson
• I believe I’ll Dust my Broom: Robert Johnson
• The Thrill is Gone: by B.B King
• Parlor Song: A song that was sung in the parlor of the house. Often simple, easy to learn, and sung by one person and a piano. Ex. Jeanie with Light Brown Hair. Requires Sheet Music.
• Middle-Class Values: Education, Self-Improvement, Self-Discipline, Self-Control, Self-Respect. Honesty, hard-work, independence, cultural refinement, etiquette cleanliness, and separation from the rich.
• Angel In the House: perfect 19th century housewife. Chaste, domestic, obedient, caring mother, modest. Her place is the home and she was responsible for playing parlor song.
• Text-Painting: when music literally reflects the lyrics of a song.