Wednesday, July 22, 2009

America’s musical roots


This is in response to a letter from Pat Campbell regarding his displeasure at hearing Mexican music played prior to the Fourth of July parade in Hailey. It seems that according to Mr. Campbell, music derived from Mexican roots is completely inappropriate for an American holiday and adds that he would prefer to hear "America the Beautiful" or "God Bless America."

Let me begin by stating that the only way Mr. Campbell can hear truly authentic indigenous American music played today is to attend a powwow put on by Native Americans. All other forms of music that one may hear played in this country are derived from musical styles brought here by immigrants to our country. The music that Mr. Campbell found inappropriate for a celebration of American independence has its roots in music that was being played in our country 200 years before Katherine Lee Bates wrote "America the Beautiful" or Irving Berlin penned "God Bless America."

What Mr. Campbell does not realize is that the strength and greatness of America is a direct result of the vast and varied cultures and influences of the immigrants from other countries who built this nation. American music is one of our greatest exports to the world. There is no other place on the planet where so many styles of music have been combined to form such distinct and recognizable genres. If all these rich and varied cultures had not combined here in our country, the world would not have jazz, blues, Cajun, Tex-Mex, soul, gospel, or rock 'n' roll, and we would all be much less enriched as a result. Mexican music played for an American holiday is just as appropriate as anything that John Phillip Sousa ever wrote.

Keith Waller

Hailey




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