The founding of the United States is a defining chapter in world history. Beginning in the 1760s, the colonists embarked on a journey toward independence, culminating in the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Against all odds, they defeated the mighty British army and navy in an eight-year struggle that forever changed the course of history.
The music in this concert was part of that journey. These songs fueled the colonists’ desire for freedom and unity. The program features stirring anthems that rallied support for independence, celebratory tunes that marked victories and lifted spirits, humorous songs that poked fun at the enemy, and lighter "pop" tunes enjoyed by everyday people. Each song tells a story of resilience, hope and determination.
Bobby Horton hopes these timeless melodies will both entertain and offer insight into the hearts and minds of the men and women who helped shape the nation. This musical snapshot of history captures songs that continue to echo through time and carry the legacy of America’s founding.
Horton was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, where his passion for music and history began at an early age. Influenced by his father, who played the trumpet, and his grandfather, who played the banjo, he was exposed to a wide range of musical styles, from big band, jazz and classical to Southern gospel, sacred harp, and traditional “hillbilly” music.
Combining his love of music with his interest in history, Horton began recording authentic Civil War songs in his home studio, performing all parts himself on period instruments. This work has grown into a collection of 14 volumes that are distributed worldwide.
A seasoned performer, Horton is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer and music historian. He has performed with the musical comedy trio Three on a String throughout the United States and Canada for more than 50 years. His work also includes producing and performing music scores for 19 PBS films by Ken Burns, including “The Civil War” and “Baseball,” as well as projects for the A&E Network and the National Park Service.
