Once, when someone asked JFK what his favorite song might be, the waggish president responded: “Well, ‘Hail to the Chief’ has a nice ring to it.”

As most people know, “Hail to the Chief” is the tune traditionally played to announce presidential arrivals at public events. What most people don't know is that the composer of the tune was British: one James Sanderson, an early 19th century violinist and the conductor of the Surrey Theatre in London.

In 1810, Sanderson published his incidental music for a stage adaptation of Sir Walter Scott’s romantic poem “The Lady of the Lake.” One hit tune from the show, "Wreaths for the Chieftain," made its way to America, and, given a new text and a title, “Hail to the Chief,” was first sung in Boston in 1815, at a memorial service on Washington’s Birthday.  

It was on today’s date in 1828, however, that the U.S. Marine Band first performed the song for a LIVING President, John Quincy Adams. Subsequent First Ladies Julia Tyler and Sara Polk continued the tradition, asking the Marine Band to play “Hail to the Chief” to announce the arrival of Presidential spouses, and that tradition continues to this day.

James Sanderson (17??-18??) Hail to the Chief Manchester Cornet Band Vox Box 5088

James Sanderson (17??-18??) Hail to the Chief Chestnut Brass Company Newport Classics 85548