logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2019
30m 32s

America's Other Anthems

NPR
About this episode
This week, we're uncovering the stories behind three American Anthems. First, we hear from two musical greats about their respective versions of "Fight the Power." Next, we learned about the transformation of the children's choir staple, "This Little Light of Mine." Finally, we took a trip down "Whittier Blvd."

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy
Up next
Aug 20
How Trump's D.C. takeover criminalizes homelessness
On August 11, President Trump announced his intention to "rescue" the nation's capital. A central feature of his plan involved using federal officials to remove people experiencing homelessness from the city — people that he listed alongside "violent gangs, bloodthirsty criminals ... Show More
39m 27s
Aug 13
Statelessness, but make it funny
Mo Amer is the creator and star of the hit Netflix comedy series Mo. It's a first-of-its kind Palestinian-American sitcom with a fraught plot line about the American immigration system and the hope to return, at least for a visit, to his family's homeland. We talk to Mo Amer what ... Show More
30m 42s
Aug 5
Hot weather kills. Who gets protected?
The heat disproportionately kills poor, elderly and people of color. So on this episode we're focusing on the lives of those impacted, from roofers in Florida to prisoners who live and die in cells that feel more like ovens in Texas. We’re asking why so many people are dying from ... Show More
32 m
Recommended Episodes
Jul 2019
American Anthem
The Star-Spangled Banner is the official anthem for the United States, but there are plenty of songs that have become informal American anthems for millions of people. This week, we share three stories from NPR Music's American Anthem series that highlight the origins of songs th ... Show More
26m 18s
May 2021
'Before I Let Go'
When the three opening notes of the song hit, there’s only one thing to do: Find your people and dance. Today, we’re talking about “Before I Let Go,” by Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, and the song’s unique ability to gather and galvanize. It wasn’t a huge hit when it came out in ... Show More
43m 31s
Mar 2021
National Anthem Day
Lee discusses the history of the national anthem on this anniversary of "The Star Spangled Banner" becoming the official national anthem for the US.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
9m 36s
Jul 2022
Oh Say Can You Sing ... the National Anthem?
America's national anthem “The Star Spangled Banner” was written by a white lawyer who owned slaves but fought for Black freedom in court. That contradiction captures the controversy embedded in the song. It is a song that can inspire patriotic fervor and ignite passionate protes ... Show More
55m 52s
Dec 2021
113. Ces chansons qui ont marqué l'histoire américaine
Il y a des chansons dont vous connaissez l'air mais pas forcément l'histoire. Pour terminer l'année, une "Lettre" musicale avec des morceaux qui ont accompagné l'histoire américaine en parlant de ségrégation ou de patriotisme. Mais il y aura aussi de l'esprit de Noël. Saviez-vous ... Show More
21m 5s
Sep 2021
America’s Song, Part 2
With his performance of “God Bless America” during Game 3 of the 2001 World Series, NYPD officer Daniel Rodriguez comforted a nation still grieving in the wake of 9/11. It felt like a timeless moment. Instead, it proved fleeting. Twenty years later, the reasons for that tell a st ... Show More
31m 35s
Dec 2021
La Música En Mi
On this episode of the StoryCorps podcast, we'll share the lesser known stories behind some popular songs, and how two families are honoring the musicians behind them. 
17m 21s
Dec 2023
NOËL - Mariah Carey, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Gloria Gaynor... Ces chansons qui racontent l'Amérique
REDIFF - Pendant les fêtes, retrouvez les Lettres d'Amérique des correspondants de RTL à New York... Il y a des chansons dont vous connaissez l'air mais pas forcément l'histoire. Pour terminer l'année, cette Lettre d'Amérique sera donc musicale, avec des morceaux qui ont accompag ... Show More
39m 51s
Jul 2022
Songs Of The Summer In A Time Of Protest
It may be too soon to crown the "song of the summer". NPR Music's Stephen Thompson says there's no one quality that the songs that carry that title have... it's a collective feeling, a shared vibe. For so many Americans on this July 4th, songs of the summer and songs of protest f ... Show More
10m 1s