Songs
The Sweetheart of the American Expeditionary Force
During World War I, vaudeville star Elsie Janis travelled to France to bring good cheer to U.S. troops
Songster Dom Flemons Brings Back the Melodies of the Black Cowboy
The Latest from Folkways, a Label Marking 70 Years, revives music traditions from the African-American ranch crews of the West
Your Brain Knows What Songs Are For, No Matter Where They Came From
Researchers find that people easily recognize lullabies and dance songs from around the world
12 Facts About ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’
Amaze and astound your loved ones with these pieces of carol trivia
Maverick Music Takes Center Stage in This New Play on Nina Simone
A Smithsonian expert delves into the song and struggle at the heart of 'Four Women' at D.C.'s Arena Stage
What Makes John Legend America's Most Versatile Artist
Songwriter, singer, actor, producer, virtual reality maven. John Legend is an entertainment all-star
A Brief History of “Alice’s Restaurant”
The Arlo Guthrie classic starts off retelling the true story of what happened more than 50 years ago
The Real-Life Story of Maria von Trapp
"The Sound of Music" was based on the true story of her life, but it took a few liberties
'We Shall Overcome' Verse Now in the Public Domain
A judge recently struck down the copyright for the first verse of the iconic Civil Rights song
Freddie Mercury, Musical Genius and Stamp Collector
The singer-songwriter's childhood stamp album offers an insight to his character
After 50 Years of Song, Dance, Food, Even Hog Calling, at the Folklife Festival, Is It Still Worthwhile?
Recognizing traditional culture in the information age is ever more important argues the director of the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage
'Mary Had a Little Lamb' Is Based on a True Story
As a child, Mary Sawyer rescued a lamb. Then it followed her to school one day
Songwriter Irving Berlin's Interfaith Marriage Caused 1920s Gossip
The songwriter made headlines when he and writer Ellin Mackay got married against her millionaire father's wishes
The Eurovision Song Contest Rocks Europe This Week. Here’s How It All Got Started
It was the idea of the European Broadcasting Union, who wanted to put the relatively new technology of television through its paces
Why Do We Play 'Hail to the Chief' for the President?
A Scottish rebel features prominently in the anthem
Researchers Found a Long-Lost Christmas Song
"Crown Winter With Green" has some serious archival cred—and a sad story to tell
Antarctic Fossil Suggests Ancient Birds Honked Not Sang
Recent analysis of two fossils provides the first evidence of ancient noisemakers
Lawyers Who Made the Birthday Song Public Domain Take Aim at Civil Rights Anthem
A group of filmmakers want to remove the copyright from "We Shall Overcome"
The “Happy Birthday” Song is Officially in the Public Domain
Sing without fear of being sued
Execution Ballads Once Spread the News of Punishment to the Public
The grisly tunes deliberately pull on emotions to discourage crime
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