About this episode

The episode explores how music has influenced American history and politics, featuring insights from Anna Harwell Celenza.

The United States turns 250 years old this summer — and there’s no shortage of ways to mark the moment. One of the most revealing lenses through which to view the country’s history may be music. Anna Harwell Celenza, professor at Johns Hopkins University and author of On the Record: Music That Changed America , joined Apple News In Conversation guest host David Greene to discuss the hidden political history of American music — from why “The Star-Spangled Banner” became the national anthem to how “Strange Fruit” helped pass anti-lynching legislation — and what music still has to say about democracy now.

People in this episode

Host: David Greene

Guest: Anna Harwell Celenza

Topics covered

• American history
• music
• political history
• national anthem
• democracy
• anti-lynching legislation

Keywords

• American history
• music
• politics
• national anthem
• democracy
• anti-lynching
• Strange Fruit

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Johns Hopkins University

Books & works: On the Record: Music That Changed America, The Star-Spangled Banner, Strange Fruit

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