Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show created an image of the Old West that lingers today.
One of the forgotten but most important aspects of the show was the cowboy band, which was led by William Sweeney from 1883 to 1913. Sweeney composed and arranged almost all the music, including the grand march that accompanied the performers into the arena.
He also led the playing of the Star Spangled Banner prior to each show, popularizing the song for the first time. Many believe that played a major role in the piece becoming the National Anthem in 1931.
Related Articles
-
To the Arizona cowboy, language has always meant imaginative mangling. Something isn’t just loud, it’s…
-
As biographies go, this is no doubt the best I have read in years. Clayton’s…
-
John P. Langellier explores the challenges and opportunities provided African-Americans following the Civil War Fighting…
