On June 28, 2026, CBS Sunday Morning unveiled an Essential American Songbook.
The collection compiles 250 songs across multiple genres to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Correspondent Tracy Smith reported on the collaborative project. It includes special performances by contemporary artists such as Jon Batiste, Sara Bareilles, and James Taylor.
Music as a Mirror of American Identity
University of Southern California Thornton School of Music professor Nate Sloan evaluated the collection.
He noted that music offers a unique way to explore the complex question of American identity across different eras.
"When we try to think about what does it mean to be American, this almost impossible question, one of the ways we might try and answer that is through music," Sloan said.
"What are the sounds that defined the American experience at different points in time?"
The selection includes highly communal pieces. Examples range from Ray Charles singing "America the Beautiful" to Mahalia Jackson performing "We Shall Overcome."
"It has to be something that people can sing along to. I think an American song needs to be communal," Sloan replied.
The musicologist pointed out that the collection encompasses diverse creative structures.
Historical footage of Bob Dylan leading a crowd at the 1963 Newport Folk Festival demonstrates the interactive nature of the genre.
"And beyond that, I think an American song can take a lot of different forms," Sloan said.
"I think it can be something that comments on society and our nation in some way."
The catalog juxtaposes contrasting thematic works. It places Bruce Springsteen's "Born In The U.
S. A."
alongside traditional adaptations that have maintained long-term cultural relevance.
"Or, it can simply be a song that has stood the test of time," he said.
Sloan emphasized that the sonic landscape of the United States directly mirrors its demographic composition. He pointed to classical-jazz fusions like George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue."
"What's so unique about our country is the plurality of cultures, ethnicities, backgrounds we have here," Sloan said.
According to a jury assembled by the television program, Aretha Franklin's "Respect" ranked among the top favorites.
However, Woody Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land" emerged as a primary representation of the country's shared values.
"It's such a powerful homage to this country," said Sloan. "It's not overly nationalistic.
It doesn't take sides. It's a message we can all relate to.
This land is our land."
The curated index embraces vast stylistic contradictions.
It places Billie Holiday's anti-lynching anthem "Strange Fruit" in close proximity to the Beach Boys pop track "God Only Knows."
"We're a diverse country, and we're a young country. This list is almost like the wild, wild west of music.
Anything goes! The sort of chaos of that is actually a beautiful representation of America itself," Sloan agreed.
