Introduction

The "Song of America" project, initially developed by Thomas Hampson in collaboration with the Library of Congress in 2005, and now a program of the Hampsong Foundation, examines connections between poetry, music, history and culture from the perspective of classic song.

Drawing on resources from the Library's unparalleled collection, the project has so far presented two national tours (in 2005-2006 and 2009-2010); independent recitals in 22 states and 13 countries; numerous master classes, exhibitions and broadcasts; the "Song of America" radio series; the web site www.songofamerica.net; and two recordings: Song of America – Music from the Library of Congress and Wondrous Free – Song of America II.
"The 'Song of America' project has been a dream come true for me," says Hampson, "giving me unforgettable opportunities to tour our country while singing the songs born of our life experiences as Americans in the language of our hearts and minds. These songs – our songs – say everything, through the eyes of our poets and the ears of our composers, about the culture we call American. We need these songs in our cultural landscape."

Listener responses to the "Song of America" radio series:

"The program on Arthur Farwell was brilliant! Long ago, Thomas Hampson introduced me to Farwell's music, and his music on Native American themes, as presented on this program, just brought me to tears it was so wonderful. The whole program was truly memorable."

"I'm enjoying the radio shows in Salem, Oregon!"

"This is a GREAT program! Heard Stephen Foster and Walt Whitman and just yesterday, songs of downtrodden groups in this country. Now I MUST be home in time to hear 'Song' every Sunday. Thanks, Thomas Hampson!"

"I think it is a very wonderful and important series. Quite riveting. I know that radio always does lots of surveys to assess the audiences for its programming. I hope they will do it for Thomas Hampson's series because I'm sure the results will be gratifying."

"[The Hughes program] was a fantastic program through and through — from the selections and performances to the highly informative historical context that Hampson provided between songs, along with scholars. Ever since doing my own research on Hughes in preparation for [my] song settings, I discovered how incredibly varied the poet's output was — such a vast range of styles, themes and moods. I felt the Song of America program aptly covered that variety and emotional range."

“America’s foremost baritone…Thomas Hampson might well be called the ambassador of the American song to the world.” --International Herald Tribune