Music – July 4th 1986 – America The Beautiful – John Williams & The Boston Pops At Liberty Weekend With John Denver + Barry Manilow + Melissa Manchester + Joel Grey + Whitney Houston Et Al
“America the Beautiful“ is a very popular American patriotic song…..with lyrics that were written by Katharine Lee Bates….while the music was composed by church organist and choirmaster Samuel A. Ward at Grace Episcopal Church in Newark, New Jersey…..and interestingly enough….the two never met….as Bates originally wrote the words as a poem, “Pikes Peak“….which was first published in the Fourth of July edition of the church periodical The Congregationalist in 1895….when at that time, the poem was titled “America” for publication….whereas, Ward had originally written the music, “Materna”, for the hymn “O Mother dear, Jerusalem” in 1882….albeit was not published until 1892. Ward’s music combined with the Bates poem was first published in 1910…. and titled “America the Beautiful”. The song is one of the most popular of the many U.S. patriotic songs.
As seen in this video herewith is a beautiful and rousing version of “America The Beautiful”….as performed at the July 4, 1986 Lady Liberty Celebration in New York City harbor…..which is played powerfully by John Williams and The Boston Pops….and sung by John Denver, Barry Manilow, Melissa Manchester, Joel Grey and Whitney Houston….for we here at ImaSportsphile are “tickled pink” to have the rare gem in our treasure chest of vintage memories….cuz if you are a true “Red White & Blue American”….this performance will bring you to your feet. GOD BLESS AMERICA
