A new musical collection, “America’s Soundtrack,” is being unveiled to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The project, spearheaded by America250 – the national organization leading the anniversary celebrations – features a diverse range of artists and genres, with the initial tracks offering a glimpse into a “bold, genre-spanning collection” designed to reflect the nation’s musical heritage and future.
The first three songs, previewed exclusively by Billboard, include a previously unreleased version of “America” by Gloria Estefan, a newly commissioned orchestral piece titled “American Promise” by composer Karen LeFrak, and a choral rendition of “Battle Hymn of the Republic” performed by The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. These tracks are available to the public on YouTube as of Thursday, March 5.
Visionary producer Emilio Estefan Jr. Serves as executive producer for “America’s Soundtrack.” He emphasized the power of music in storytelling, stating, “Music has always been how Gloria and I tell stories about who we are and where we’re going. America’s Soundtrack is about capturing our dynamic musical roots as a country while creating something forward-looking that reflects our future.”
Rosie Rios, chair of America250, highlighted the unifying power of music, noting, “Music unifies us in a way few things can. As we engage all 350 million Americans in the 250th anniversary of the United States, America’s Soundtrack will supply us a powerful way to connect through a shared cultural language — music.”
A Blend of Musical Styles
“America,” originally introduced in 2015, is described as a reflection of Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s gratitude for the opportunities they found in the United States after immigrating from Cuba. The song embodies their personal American story and their appreciation for the freedoms afforded to them.
“American Promise,” a contemporary orchestral work, was commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra and is described as “a musical portrait of unity, gratitude and faith in the enduring American dream.” The recording of the piece was completed by the London Symphony Orchestra, and the world premiere performance will be held by the Miami Symphony Orchestra on March 8. Billboard reports that additional performances by the National Symphony Orchestra and other orchestras are planned throughout the year.
The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square’s rendition of “Battle Hymn of the Republic” underscores the song’s historical significance and its role in uniting the nation during times of both conflict and celebration.
Looking Ahead to the Semiquincentennial
Composer Karen LeFrak expressed her honor at having “American Promise” included in the Semiquincentennial celebration, stating, “The piece was written to reflect what America’s 250th represents — freedom, celebration and the vast beauty of the country we share.”
America250 plans to announce additional artists and tracks throughout 2026, culminating in a series of events for the Fourth of July celebrations. The project aims to engage all Americans in commemorating this significant milestone in the nation’s history through the universal language of music.
The release of “America’s Soundtrack” marks the beginning of a year-long celebration of American music and culture, offering a platform for artists to express their perspectives on the nation’s past, present, and future. As the project unfolds, it promises to be a powerful and unifying force in the lead-up to the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Stay tuned for further announcements regarding additional artists and tracks as “America’s Soundtrack” continues to develop throughout 2026. Share your thoughts on this exciting project in the comments below.
