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George Washington
I Think We've Got Another Washington And Wilson is His Name
Words and music by George Fairman, 1915

Washington's Tomb
Words by T. P. Coulston, music by Carrol Clifford, 1850

The VHS has numerous examples of music about notable individuals, especially generals and politicians. Of the eight Virginia-born presidents, it is not surprising that George Washington is the most popular in our collections. Music written for and about him started appearing during the American Revolution, and every aspect of his life has been commemorated since then. Anniversary observances of his birth and death produced numerous songs, as did presidential campaigns, where candidates tried to link their image to Washington's.  View enlarged image

William Henry Harrison
The Harrison Song, Music by Thomas Power, 1840

Many historians consider the election of 1840 to be the first "modern" campaign. The Whigs and the Democrats were both strong national parties with distinctive platforms and tactics. The Whig party ran William Henry Harrison against the Democratic opponent, Martin Van Buren. After Harrison's sudden death one month after taking office, John Tyler became president in 1841.  View enlarged image

Zachary Taylor
Grand Triumphal Quick Step, Edward L. White, 1847

Taylor's portrait on "The Grand Triumphal Quick Step" testifies to his popularity after the Mexican War where he won decisive victories at Monterrey and Buena Vista. The Whigs nominated "Old Rough and Ready," and in a close election Taylor defeated the Democratic candidate, Lewis Cass, and the Free Soil nominee, Martin Van Buren.   View enlarged image

Woodrow Wilson
Never Swap Horses When You're Crossing a Stream
Words by Harold Robe, music by Jesse Winne, 1916

Campaign songs reached their height in popularity during the Tin Pan Alley era of music publishing. This piece of sheet music, published during President Woodrow Wilson's bid for reelection, urged the voters "Don't overlook the facts for the promise that's new, Let Wilson and Marshall keep haulin' you through, Just stick to their backs, that's a sensible scheme, And never swap horses when you're crossin' a stream." Wilson was reelected and pledged to keep the country out of World War I.  View enlarged image