Mariana Whitmer recently wrote a review-essay comparing three song biographies of patriotic songs in the United States. “The Star-Spangled Banner” by Mark Ferris, “God Bless America” by Sheryl Kaskowitz and “We Shall Overcome” edited collection by our very own Victor Bobetsky.
Mariana Whitmer highlights the different strengths of each song biography as well as give a comparison of the song biographies in general. Check out some of the quotes from her review below.
“In “The Complex Ancestry of ‘We Shall Overcome,’” Victor Bobetsky carefully maps out the musical origins of the song with helpful section headings and musical examples. He identifies seven songs that could be related, by virtue of their similar melodies or words, and makes a compelling case for their association.”
”The collection offers different perspectives on the song and has a strong pedagogical focus. Whereas some of the historically analytical essays unpack its complicated origins, others explore its reception and performance. Completing the volume are interesting and practical articles aimed at enhancing the assimilation of “We Shall Overcome” in the classroom.”
“Victor V. Bobetsky’s edited collection, We Shall Overcome: Essays on a Great American Song, is the product of a symposium focused on the song and its history. It includes published presentations from the symposium, three additional essays, and a lesson plan.”
If you want to read more about Mariana’s analysis on Professor Victor Bobetsky’s book or the whole review in general, follow this link.
