In On the Record: Music That Changed America, Anna Harwell Celenza uncovers the sometimes-surprising influence of music on American politics and culture. From The Star-Spangled Banner and Billie Holidays haunting Strange Fruit to Paul Simons Graceland and Lin-Manuel Mirandas groundbreaking Hamilton, Celenza explores moments where music wound its way through the halls of Congress, influencing decisions and reshaping culture. Each chapter highlights an iconic musical work, tracing its backstory, uncovering its connection to political debates and legislative actions, and in the process revealing it in a new light. In an engaging and insightful narrative Celenza shows how music has sparked change and left an enduring mark on American society.
