Music journalist Sidney Madden and music historian Ted Gioia join Judy Woodruff's "In Pursuit of Happiness" podcast to discuss what makes a song quintessentially American. Photo: PBS NewsHour
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August 4, 2026
What makes a song quintessentially American? On her "In Pursuit of Happiness" podcast, Judy Woodruff talks with Ted Gioia and Sidney Madden about how music has told America's story from the very beginning.
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Music has helped tell America's story from the very beginning, reflecting our triumphs, struggles and the many cultures and traditions that have shaped the country. On her “In Pursuit of Happiness” podcast, Judy Woodruff sat down with music historian Ted Gioia and music journalist Sidney Madden to explore how American music became a powerful expression of who we are.
View the transcript of the story.
NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?
If you had to answer the question Ted Gioia asks in this segment, what would be your answer? What do you think is the most "American" song, and why? As you answer this question, keep in mind it is up to you to decide what makes a song representative of the country as a whole.
In this segment, Ted Gioia says that the most common response to his question "what is the most American song" is Jimi Hendrix's playing of the Star Spangled Banner. Why do you think that rendition of the song was chosen? Why do you think responders thought Hendrix represented something particularly American?
To find out more about Hendrix and his performance, see this lesson from Teach Rock. After going through the lesson, discuss why you think the performance might be seen as "quintessentially" American.
You can also watch Hendrix play the Star Spangled Banner below.
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Republished with permission from PBS News Hour Classroom.
