An Independence Day Playlist, 2019

James Bryce said, "“Our country is not the only thing to which we owe our allegiance. It is also owed to justice and to humanity. Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong.”

Gerald Stanley Lee, "“America is a tune. It must be sung together.”

John Adams said Independence Day "will be celebrated with pomp and parade, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other."

Adams clearly forgot to mention this particular playlist on this particular podcast network as part of the celebration. But that's ok, he had his hands full elsewise!

Please enjoy this collection of songs that reveal, celebrate, and chronicle both the aspirational and the mundane in this unique and ever evolving American Experiment of ours. Featuring songs by James Brown, Bruce Springsteen, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, David Bowie, Phil Ochs, Childish Gambino, Joan Baez, Rhiannon Giddens, Gil Scott Heron, Living Colour, Aimee Mann, Sufjan Stevens, Portugal The Man, Prince, Pete Seeger and more.

Happy Fourth!