When the Band Played Dixie

Canada Free Press ^ | September 17, 2009 | Calvin E. Johnson, Jr.

[BigReb555]

In 1859, Ohio Native Dan Emmett first performed “Dixie” New York City. Two years later, on February 18, 1861, the band played Dixie at the Inauguration of Confederate President Jefferson Davis in Montgomery, Alabama.

[lonestar]

“...OLD TIMES THERE ARE NOT FORGOT...” (singing at the top of my lungs!)

[Shqipo]

I think both Dixie and the Battle Hymn of the Republic are wonderful and inspiring songs. That must make me... American.

[bert]

A long time ago, Arthur Fiedler brought the Boston Pops to Reynolds Coliseum at NC State for a Friends of the College concert. (circa 1862 or so)

The concert was fantastic. The crowd loudly and longly clamored for encores. Finally after about three or four, he came out and the Pops played Dixie. Everyone stood up. Fiedler left the stage about halfway through and the concert was over.

[LaybackLenny]

I think both Dixie and the Battle Hymn of the Republic are wonderful and inspiring songs. That must make me... American racist.

You will comply. /sarc

[LaybackLenny]

Seriously, I love “Dixie.” And I really like Mickey Newbury’s “American Trilogy” as performed by Mickey and by Elvis.

[bert]

that would be 1962, not 1862

[dynachrome]

Interesting bit of history

[NTHockey]

LOOK AWAY, LOOK AWAY, DIXIE LAND.

here was a time in America when football games started with the National Anthem, a prayer and the teams were Rebels and Indians and the band played Dixie.

It is gone now, but like the South; it will rise again.

Deo vindice

[Bubba Ho-Tep]

There’s a contingent here on FR who will tell you that the Battle Hymm of the Republic, with all that “fateful lightning of his terrible swift sword” stuff, is a fascist war song and that if you like it you must hate the south and freedom.

[Monterrosa-24]

“...1962, not 1862...”

I wasn’t sure. Arthur Fiedler was pretty old when he died.

[BallyBill]

Dixie was a nice song until the Jonny Rebs went and stole it! Every time I hear it I stick my fingers in my ears and sing the Battle Hymm at top volume!

Truth is marching on!

/s

[Ax]

I don’t care who you are. If you don’t get really stirred up when the band plays “Dixie,” you have no soul. Yankee, Rebel, Indian, Italian... That’ll get your heart pumping.

[Jemian]

My high school band’s trademark entrance onto the field was “Dixie Entry” arranged by Tommy King Goff. The crowd went wild when they heard it.

We stopped playing it during my freshman (or sophmore year), either ‘68 or ‘69. It just hasn’t been the same since.

[BnBlFlag]

“God Bless America and let the band play ‘Dixie’.”
Amen!

[NavyCanDo]

Ken Burns - The Civil War film series had some of the most beautiful but yet haunting music, favorites of the time. I would love to get the soundrack.

[Shqipo]

I suggest you do. Ashokan Farewell is worth the price alone.

[lonestar]

My HS band played Dixie until somebody told the Blacks they should be offended.

[NavyCanDo]

Yep, beautiful song. Though written in my life time, it was in the style popular with the Scots Irish that filled the ranks of both blue and gray.

[tacticalogic]

A band is blowing Dixie double four time
You feel all right when you hear that music ring