The presidential election of 1876 was contested between Republican Rutherford B. Hayes of Ohio and Democrat Samuel J. Tilden of New York. Tilden won more electoral votes, but the ballots in several states, Florida, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Oregon, were disputed. An Electoral Commission established by Congress confirmed Rutherford B. Hayes as the winner, despite not having won a plurality of the national popular vote. The election was influenced by electoral fraud, voter intimidation, and disenfranchisement of Black voters. The contest was only resolved by the Compromise of 1877, where Hayes promised to end Reconstruction in exchange for his election as president.

Since the very first presidential election, music has been an important part of campaigning and American political culture. Songs written specifically for a campaign might extol the virtues of the candidate or attack the vices of an opponent. Supporters of Samuel J. Tilden and his running mate Thomas A. Hendricks promoted their candidacy with a song called the “Grand March.” Usage of the music was not restricted to the campaign or its supporters—its sheet music was made available to military bands, orchestras, and choruses. Although some campaign music named candidates or opponents specifically and by name, others, including the “Grand March,” had a broader, less partisan, and more patriotic appeal. A song called “Adams and Liberty,” written to celebrate President John Adams, is sung to a melody that is now know as “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

In modern politics, campaign music continues to be influential. Sometimes a particular song becomes strongly associated with a candidate, such as Fleetwood Mac’s “Don’t Stop” and former President Bill Clinton. Music can also serve to subtly (or less so) hint at the values of a campaign and party. For example, Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris using Beyoncé’s song “Freedom” in her campaign advertising, the Republican National Convention featuring a performance by Kid Rock, and the Democratic National Convention including a musical roll call. Lee Greenwood’s song “God Bless the U.S.A” was originally not used in campaigning, with Greenwood saying that he wrote it for all Americans. However, he agreed to sing it for Ronald Reagan, turning it into a song that is seen as primarily Republican. In fact, Republicans are often seen to have a monopoly on patriotism in modern political culture. However, the Democratic Party is currently pushing back against that idea. In addition to their music-based show of state pride, the 2024 Democratic National Convention placed a heavy emphasis on patriotism, including chants of “USA” and intense use of the American flag. Since the party system first developed, both have seen themselves as the true protector of American democracy and the other as a threat. This competition over which side is more truly American can be seen throughout modern politics and historical elections, including in the fight over campaign songs.

Sources

A political playlist: The fight over campaign songs

At convention, Democrats claim patriotism, American flag as their own

Democrats try to take patriotism back from GOP

Disputed Election of 1876

Early Rally Songs – Voices, Votes, Victory: Presidential Campaign Songs

How the Democrats reclaimed patriotism

Voices, Votes, Victory: Presidential Campaign Songs Forgotten Candidates