The U.S. is turning 250. These songs unexpectedly changed American history.

Jun 18, 2026 24 min

About this episode

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 <a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/on-the-record/id6749278151" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">On the Record: Music That Changed America</a>, 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.

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