America (My Country, ‘Tis of Thee) – Samuel Francis Smith
Yankee Doodle – Traditional
My Country, ‘Tis of Thee – Traditional
Land of Hope and Glory – Edward Elgar
American Soldier – Toby Keith
Fight Song – Rachel Platten
Airforce song
Anchors Away
Cassions Army
Marines hymn
Space force
Coast Guard
Of all the ways we interact with music, the playlist stands as one of the most personal and powerful. It is a modern-day mixtape, a curated collection that transcends a simple sequence of songs to become a narrative, a mood, or a dedicated soundtrack for a specific moment in time. More than just a convenience feature on streaming platforms, the act of creating a playlist is an act of celebration itself—a way to honor an artist’s entire discography, to commemorate a road trip with friends, or to craft the perfect ambiance for a solitary evening. This digital assemblage allows us to become DJs, archivists, and storytellers, using the universal language of music to express what words alone often cannot.
A well-made playlist can elevate a gathering, provide solace during heartache, fuel a workout, or serve as a personal time capsule, instantly transporting us back to a specific feeling or era. It is how we share our tastes with the world and connect with others through shared sonic journeys. Ultimately, playlists are a testament to music’s enduring role in the human experience, proving that while a single song can be powerful, a thoughtfully assembled collection can create a celebration all its own.
Check back often if you like what you hear. We are always exploring new genres, and our favorites. Drop a suggestion in the comments. Whatever your style turn up the volume and enjoy….
The Day the Music Died Day on February 3rd remembers the unfortunate and untimely death of singers 22-year-old Buddy Holly, 17-year-old Richie Valens, and 28-year-old J. P. Richardson, aka: “The Big Bopper.” These three artists died in an airplane accident on February 3, 1959, near Clear Lake, Iowa. Their pilot, Roger Peterson, also perished in the crash.
The Day the Music Died was dubbed so by Don McLean’s song “American Pie”
Buddy Holly’s band was on tour and had played at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake. They were headed to their next destination in Moorhead, Minnesota. For this leg of their journey, they decided to take a charter plane rather than go with their tour bus. Richardson “The Big Bopper”, had swapped places with Waylon Jennings, taking the latter’s place on the plane and Tommy Allsup had lost his place to Ritchie Valens in a coin toss.
Not long after takeoff, they were no longer able to be reached by radio, and they did not reach their destination. The aircraft was reported missing. The next day, the wreckage was found less than 6 miles northwest of the airport in a cornfield. Poor weather conditions and pilot error were determined, during the investigation, to have been the cause of the pilot losing control of the plane.
The tragic event echoed through history for over 50 years. Visitors still make the pilgrimage each year to Clear Lake, Iowa, the resort town about 110 miles north of Des Moines, as this was the point of their last concert before the fatal accident.
“The day the music died” is a line in the 1972 Don McLean hit “American Pie.” McLean’s song, which he wrote in the late 1960s and released in 1971, was in part inspired by the tragic event which took the lives of three great musicians and their pilot.
“But February made me shiver,
With every paper I’d deliver,
Bad news on the doorstep
I couldn’t take one more step.
I can’t remember if I cried
When I read about his widowed bride
But something touched me deep inside,
The day the music died.
The observance commemorates the fateful day in 1959 when four young lives were cut short. When Don McLean’s “American Pie” hit the airwaves in 1972, the world came to know the day as “the day the music died’ from the line in the lyrics. Another line in the song reflected on the music of Buddy Holly & The Crickets. In their song “That’ll be the Day” the chorus goes like this:
“Well, that’ll be the day, when you say goodbye
Yes, that’ll be the day, when you make me cry
You say you’re gonna leave, you know it’s a lie
‘Cause that’ll be the day when I die“
In McLean’s “American Pie” his similar line appears in the chorus as well:
“Bye, bye Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
And them good ole boys were drinking whiskey and rye
Singin’ this’ll be the day that I die
This’ll be the day that I die“
Turn up the volume…
Listen to some of the music by Richie Valens, Buddy Holly, or The Big Bopper.
Use #TheDayTheMusicDied to post on social media.
That title is more important to everyday Americans. The regular families. Parents who work both white and blue collar. Children to carry on your family traditions. Growing up our holidays like this were spent with great family, plenty of food, and the pyrotechnics show given in almost every town, large and small across the country. Swimming pools, sunscreen, and BBQ scents fill the air. Lawn chairs, watermelon, ice cream and red, white, and blue can be seen everywhere.
Laughter, squeals, and firework pops are audible over the playlists of classic rock, Souza marches, and songs of Americana heritage. Everyone born here, or legally immigrated should take this opportunity to give thanks for being here. Give thanks to the men and women of our armed services who protecting our freedoms.
With the advent of social media we are all familiar with the policies swirling through current events. To agree or disagree is not the important question here. Recognizing that we have the right to disagree, we all must learn to get along and live together. All who stand within our shores should be proud to be an American. Our Flag, Government, and our values shape this great place we call home. Never let anyone tell you that you are unlucky to be here. We do not live in fear of imprisonments, torture, and many of the horrors, we see abroad. Is all fair and just here? No, but looking around the world today, you could do much worse.
As we Celebrate the founding of this nation, on July 4, we remember those who came before. Immigrant, native, man, woman, and child. Let us focus on the positives, and work toward solutions that resolve our arguments. This July 4th, as we spend time with family and friends, bbq or take-out, enjoy the time and festivities.
If you find yourself in a quiet moment, add a special song to your playlist, wave the flag and proudly display what makes up the best part of our country, We The People.
Please drink responsibly and remember that alcohol and fireworks can be a bad combination.
Celebrate your independence in America on July 4th!
