A version of the following post--which includes links to two renditions of "America the Beautiful"--originally appeared in this space two years ago, on July 4th:
The first performance of the song, below, is by Frank Sinatra, accompanied by a chorus, though I don't know
the year of the recording. I enjoy this
version of the song a lot.
It was not uncommon for Mr. Sinatra to change certain lyrics,
and there is one alteration, near the start of the song. The phrase "above the fruited plain"
becomes, in Sinatra's hands, "above
thy fruited plain." I don't recall ever hearing another singer make this particular change--yet coming from Sinatra, it
sounds interesting, and pleasantly distinctive.
The second version of the song is by Ray Charles, from a
1972 telecast of The Dick Cavett Show.
Mr. Charles's performance--vocally, and on the piano--is beautiful. There are unseen supporting musicians--including a lovely organ accompaniment.
