Music and musicians play an important role in military life. From the history of "Taps" to the importance of the USO, to the African American pioneers of Navy music, this series explores the place of ceremonial, tactical and recreational music in the US military.
Of all the military bugle calls, none is so easily recognized or more apt to evoke emotion than the call Taps. The melody is both eloquent and haunting, while the history of its origin is interesting and somewhat clouded in controversy. In the British army, a similar type of signal called Last Post has been sounded over soldiers’ graves since 1885, but the use of Taps is unique to the United States military, since the call is sounded at funerals, wreath-laying ceremonies, and memorial services. A bugle call that beckons us to remember patriots who served our country with honor and valor, it is the most familiar call and one that moves all who hear it.
On any weekday at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, a military ritual occurs that is both familiar and moving. An escort of honor comes to attention and presents arms. A firing party comes to attention, then fires three volleys. After the briefest of moments, a bugler sounds the twenty-four notes of America’s most famous bugle call. The flag, held by members of the military honor guard, is then folded into a triangle reminiscent of the cocked hat from the American Revolution. That ritual is performed almost twenty times daily during the many funerals held at Arlington.
Even while the United States was entering the Cold War with the Soviet Union in 1961, the Kennedy administration strengthened their commitment to cultural diplomacy. This audio story will highlight some of the important ways President Kennedy used the arts to help improve the image of the United States around the world.
The Sea Chanters
In December 1961, in response to deteriorating relations with the Soviet Union and the building of the Berlin Wall, the United States Navy’ Sea Chanters chorus was sent to West Berlin to participate in a series of Christmas concerts designed to create a positive image of the United States overseas and counter the negative propaganda created by the Soviet government.
A live television program, including a performance by the Sea Chanters and taped messages from President Kennedy, the British Prime Minster, and French President was telecast throughout Europe, with an estimated audience of over 200 million viewers, including those in the Eastern Bloc countries.
Voice of America
During World War II, the United States government created Voice of America, an international radio broadcast designed to provide news and entertainment, as well as to counter German propaganda. By the end of the war, VOA was broadcasting in 40 languages around the world.
During the Cold War, despite local efforts to block the radio signal, VOA programs were heard throughout Soviet-controlled Eastern Europe. One of the most popular programs featured American jazz musicians, presented by Willis Conover, which helped build the international popularity of American culture.
Goodwill Ambassadors
In the 1950’s, the United States government began a program that sent American artists, including jazz musician Louis Armstrong, to perform overseas—the Goodwill Ambassadors. The Kennedy administration continued this program, including famous musicians like Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, and Dave Brubeck.
State Visits
The Kennedy White House recognized the importance of visits by leaders from other nations, and made these occasions special through music and ceremony. Musicians from the United States military would perform in honor of the event, as would artists not only from the United States, but also from the visiting dignitary’s culture.
Tributes to JFK
When John Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, many artists paid tribute to him through performance or by creating new works of art. Composers Leonard Bernstein, Duke Ellington, and Igor Stravinsky all dedicated music to Kennedy’s memory in the years after his death.
Senior Chief Musician Mike Bays of the United States Navy Band explores the history of African-American pioneers in Navy music.
Narrator
Mike Bays
Jari Villanueva
Audio Producer
Richard Paul
Producer
Kenny Neal
Updated
September 9, 2019
Discover the multicultural heritage and history of the United States of America through explorations of immigrant life, the lives of legendary pioneers like Lewis and Clark, the modern political system, and significant works of American music, including our National Anthem.
Learn about America’s most famous leaders and their appreciations and influences over the arts; from Lincoln’s connection to music, to Kennedy’s advocacy for the arts, to the importance placed in having White House photographers capture the president’s everyday achievements.
“Yankee Doodle” may be a popular kids’ tune today, but it got its start as a song of war
This hymn helped inspire the North in its fight to reunite the country and free African-American slaves
The stories behind the words—“From the Halls of Montezuma, To the shores of Tripoli”
Eric Friedman
Director, Digital Learning
Kenny Neal
Manager, Digital Education Resources
Tiffany A. Bryant
Manager, Operations and Audience Engagement
JoDee Scissors
Content Specialist, Digital Learning
Generous support for educational programs at the Kennedy Center is provided by the U.S. Department of Education.
Gifts and grants to educational programs at the Kennedy Center are provided by The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; Bank of America; Capital One; The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation; Carnegie Corporation of New York; The Ednah Root Foundation; Harman Family Foundation; William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust; the Kimsey Endowment; The Kiplinger Foundation; Laird Norton Family Foundation; Lois and Richard England Family Foundation; Dr. Gary Mather and Ms. Christina Co Mather; The Markow Totevy Foundation; Dr. Gerald and Paula McNichols Foundation; The Morningstar Foundation; Myra and Leura Younker Endowment Fund; The Irene Pollin Audience Development and Community Engagement Initiatives;
Prince Charitable Trusts; Dr. Deborah Rose and Dr. Jan A. J. Stolwijk; Rosemary Kennedy Education Fund; The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates; The Victory Foundation; The Volgenau Foundation; Volkswagen Group of America; Jackie Washington; GRoW @ Annenberg and Gregory Annenberg Weingarten and Family; Wells Fargo; and generous contributors to the Abe Fortas Memorial Fund and by a major gift to the fund from the late Carolyn E. Agger, widow of Abe Fortas. Additional support is provided by the National Committee for the Performing Arts..
The content of these programs may have been developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education but does not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education. You should not assume endorsement by the federal government.
