The Unexpected Journey of ‘O, America’
Table of Contents
- 1. The Unexpected Journey of ‘O, America’
- 2. How has “O, America” been received by audiences on both sides of the political aisle?
- 3. The Serendipitous Journey of ‘O, America’: An Interview with Music Veteran Brendan Graham
- 4. Interviewer:
- 5. Emily Bradshaw:
- 6. Brendan Graham:
- 7. Emily Bradshaw:
- 8. Brendan Graham:
- 9. Emily Bradshaw:
- 10. Brendan Graham:
- 11. Emily Bradshaw:
- 12. Brendan graham:
- 13. Emily Bradshaw:
- 14. Brendan Graham:
- 15. Emily Bradshaw:
- 16. Brendan Graham:
- 17. Emily Bradshaw:
When Irish songwriter Brendan Graham composed “O, America,” he could never have imagined it would one day resonate within the halls of the US Capitol. the 79-year-old musical veteran, known for hits like “Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids” and “You Raise Me Up,” stumbled upon the song‘s genesis during a chance encounter in Hollywood.
“I was walking the corridor of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel heading for a showcase by American composer William Joseph and I heard this tune wafting out from some room and then discovered it was a melody called Sweet Remembrance of You. I asked William would he allow me to put a lyric to it, which he agreed,” Graham recalls.
The melodic seed blossomed into a powerful anthem during Graham’s commutes between Kinnegad and his Mayo home. He tells of the inspiration flowing organically: “It seemed to suggest itself as a love song….but an anthemic love song to America. Most of it came fairly readily but to finish it was a bit of a wrestling match.”
“Thankfully,” graham adds, “William Joseph went along with this new version of it.”
Years later, the song found its voice through the Irish group Celtic Woman, who recorded it in 2009. This introduction propelled “O, America” into the american consciousness, laying the groundwork for its future political meaning.
“I was out for a walk while the event was taking place and then the texts started flying in,” Graham confessed, referring to his surprise at hearing his song performed during Donald Trump’s 2017 inauguration. Tenor Christopher Macchio delivered a stirring rendition of the ballad, further cementing its place in American political history.
The song’s journey to the White House didn’t end there. Irish singer Anthony Kearns had previously performed “O, America” for President Barack Obama, and even serenaded President Trump during his first term.
Looking back, Graham sums up his songwriting process with a touch of humility: “I just send them out over the half-door of the house and watch and wonder.”
How has “O, America” been received by audiences on both sides of the political aisle?
The Serendipitous Journey of ‘O, America’: An Interview with Music Veteran Brendan Graham
Interviewer:
Archyde’s music correspondent, Emily Bradshaw, sat down with the esteemed irish songwriter, brendan Graham, to discuss his iconic composition, “O, America,” adn its enchanting journey from a Hollywood hotel to the US Capitol.
Emily Bradshaw:
Brendan, your career has been marked by numerous hits, but “O, America” has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on both musical and political landscapes. Can you take us back to the moment when this unforgettable melody was born?
Brendan Graham:
Well, Emily, it was a chance encounter in 2008 while I was walking through the hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. I heard this marvelous tune, and upon investigation, I discovered it was a melody called ”Sweet Remembrance of You.” I approached its composer, William Joseph, and he graciously allowed me to write lyrics for it.
Emily Bradshaw:
That moment must have felt like fate. How did you approach penning the lyrics for what would become “O, America”?
Brendan Graham:
During my commutes between Kinnegad and my Mayo home, the melody seemed to dictate the lyrics. It flowed organically,suggesting an anthemic love song to America. The words came relatively smoothly, but I wrestled with putting the finishing touches on it.Fortunately, William was supportive of the new direction I took his melody in.
Emily Bradshaw:
“O, America” was first brought to life by the enchanting voices of Celtic Woman in 2009. How did it feel to hear your composition take flight with them?
Brendan Graham:
It was truly magical.Celtic Woman’s interpretation of “O, america” propelled it into the American consciousness and set the stage for its future political importance.
Emily Bradshaw:
The song’s journey reached new heights in 2017 when it echoed through the halls of the US Capitol during Donald Trump’s inauguration.What was your initial reaction when you heard the news?
Brendan graham:
I was out for a walk when the event was taking place,and then suddenly,my phone started buzzing with texts. I was absolutely astonished to learn that tenor Christopher macchio had performed my song during the inauguration. It was a surreal moment that further solidified ”O, America’s” place in American political history.
Emily Bradshaw:
Your composition has as been performed for both former Presidents Obama and Trump. How does it feel to have written a song that transcends political parties and resonates with diverse audiences?
Brendan Graham:
It’s deeply humbling. As songwriters,we never quiet no how our creations will be received,let alone reach such profound milestones.I’m truly grateful for this unexpected journey that “O, America” has undertaken.
Emily Bradshaw:
Brendan, what advice would you offer to up-and-coming songwriters who hope to leave their own mark on the world?
Brendan Graham:
Stay true to your artistic vision and never be afraid to take chances. Sometimes, the best songs come from the least expected places.As for me,I just send them out over the half-door of the house and watch and wonder what happens next.
Emily Bradshaw:
Brendan Graham, thank you for sharing your remarkable journey with “O, America” and offering valuable insights for aspiring songwriters. Your compositions continue to captivate and inspire us all.
