ABSTRACT
The Civil War transformed American culture. It was an enormous conflict that set hundreds of thousands of men and women into motion and killed one of five men of military age in the South, and one of sixteen in the North. The war changed the way Americans thought about transportation, communication, industry, and agriculture. It freed a portion of our population and changed who we were as a people. The war also transformed American music. Music was an integral part of American life during the Civil War era and was as diverse as the people themselves. Vibrant and multifaceted musical traditions ranged from the indigenous music of Native Americans to the Scotch-Irish folk songs of Appalachia, from the work “hollers” of the slaves to the popular music of Stephen Foster. Music served as a rallying cry, a voice of grief, and an expression of pride in one’s cause. During this time music was entertainment, but more than that, music brought people together in community. This chapter examines the popular music of both the North and the South during the Civil War, discusses what constituted “popular” music of the day, and explores how music was woven throughout the fabric of our culture. In connection with this, a few of the most prominent composers from North and South, who created songs that are still known and loved today, are presented.
