Posted on 01/04/2005 12:59:58 PM PST by Diana in Wisconsin
Band's version of one-time Presley tune hits sour note with some
MADISON, Wis. - As if the incoming Legislature didn't have enough problems, a high school band's rendition of a tune that was an Elvis Presley hit decades ago drew a complaint from a newly elected member of the Senate.
The Richland Center High School band played "An American Trilogy" at the Senate's inaugural ceremony at the Capitol Monday - the first day of a session expected to be dominated by battles over budget-cutting, a tax-freeze amendment and a myriad of other issues.
Sen. Spencer Coggs (D), who is black, said he was SHOCKED, as were his family and other guests, to hear the strains of the Southern anthem "Dixie" played in the Senate chamber as part of the trilogy, along with "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "All My Trials."
Coggs, a Democrat from Milwaukee, complained in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Dale Schultz, R-Richland Center.
"Whether the slight was intentional or not, the selection was not appropriate," he wrote, noting that "Dixie" is often associated with slavery.
"While now it should be unnecessary to suggest, in the future a list of songs should be submitted prior to a performance and the list should be reviewed for its appropriateness," he said. "It is unfortunate that this special day was marred by such an unnecessary event."
Schultz had invited the band and choir to play at the ceremony.
He said the complaint caught him by surprise.
"A simple apology is what's needed," Schultz said, "and I will certainly be happy to do that."
He said he wasn't aware of every musical selection the band prepared for the event, and the piece has some historical significance.
"But I want everyone to feel included. If Sen. Coggs felt offended, I would want to extend my hand in apology."
http://www.wisconsinstatejournal.com
"Whether the slight was intentional or not, the selection was not appropriate," he wrote, noting that "Dixie" is often associated with slavery. "
In what universe is that?!?!?!
I still smile when I think of the story about how Jesse Helms started whistling Dixie when Carol Moseley Brown entered the Senate elevator with him.
O, I wish I was in the land of cotton Old times there are not forgotten Look away! Look away! Look away! Dixie Land. In Dixie Land where I was born in Early on one frosty mornin' Look away! Look away! Look away! Dixie Land. Chorus: O, I wish I was in Dixie! Hooray! Hooray! In Dixie Land I'll take my stand To live and die in Dixie Away, away, Away down south in Dixie! Old Missus marry Will, the weaver, William was a gay deceiver Look away! Look away! Look away! Dixie Land. But when he put his arm around her He smiled as fierce as a forty pounder Look away! Look away! Look away! Dixie Land. Chorus: O, I wish I was in Dixie! Hooray! Hooray! In Dixie Land I'll take my stand To live and die in Dixie Away, away, Away down south in Dixie! His face was sharp as a butcher's cleaver But that did not seem to grieve her Look away! Look away! Look away! Dixie Land. Old Missus acted the foolish part And died for a man that broke her heart Look away! Look away! Look away! Dixie Land. Chorus: O, I wish I was in Dixie! Hooray! Hooray! In Dixie Land I'll take my stand To live and die in Dixie Away, away, Away down south in Dixie!
Maybe this Dem needs to concentrate on what passes for "Black" music today!
Actually, it's 80 square miles, surrounded by reality
...and don't forget..."Dixie" was written by a black man. So what're they bitching about NOW??!?
Dang! That was so beautiful, I'm cryin'.
If she finds the song "Dixie" offensive because it is "associated with slavery", what does she think of the South? I guess we are not allowed to set foot in Madison (not that I would want to) because, by her logic, we are associated with slavery.
I never realized how much the north hated the south until I got internet.
The hell you say. There is no apology needed for playing "Dixie." The hypersensitive professional victim should apologize to the band for the criticism, if anything!
}:-)4
There are three versions of that song. Maybe he was upset that these lines were NOT sung? LOL! I can't find any connection to slavery in any version at this site. IIRC, "Dixie" was written AFTER slavery was abolished, and was basically a "Call to Arms" rallying song for the south.
http://www.countrygoldusa.com/dixie.asp
"Old Missus marry Will, the weaver,
William was a gay deceiver
Look away! Look away!
Look away! Dixie Land."
Who can tell with these goofball DemonRats? Any excuse to get their panties in a wad and have their widdow feewings hurt will do. *Rolleyes*
Double-barrelled Mega-PING! to both lists! If you want on, FReepmail me!
That's the best description of MadTown I've ever heard.
I stand corrected. I still live too close for comfort, 10 miles south of their foolishness. :)
She probably thinks aspirin is racist cause you have to pick cotton to get at it.
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