Abraham Lincoln and Music

ARTSEDGE: The Kennedy Center's Arts Education Network

Abraham Lincoln was one of America's most unmusical presidents: he could neither play an instrument nor carry a tune. Yet he had a passionate love of the arts—enjoying everything from sentimental ballads to nonsense songs, from melodrama to opera. This 3-part audio series explores Lincoln’s relationship to the arts of his time.

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Lincoln and the Theater

Abraham Lincoln and Music

03/08/10 • 6 min

Lincoln attended the theater frequently—opera being a particular favorite. In this final episode in the series, we look at the small plays and full-scale spectacles that caught his imagination and interest.

Lincoln and Political Music

Abraham Lincoln and Music

03/01/10 • 5 min

In this second episode, we focus on the political music of Abraham Lincoln’s time—both music created to support the presidential candidates and the music in support—or in protest—of the Civil War.

Lincoln and Popular Music

Abraham Lincoln and Music

02/22/10 • 7 min

Abe Lincoln heard and sang much of the music of his time— popular music like the songs of Stephen Foster, as well as concert music and opera. In this first of three episodes, we explore the President's love of, and reliance upon, the popular and folk music of the time.

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