"Hail Columbia" - "The President's Own" United States Marine Band

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"Hail Columbia" is most associated today as honors to the Vice President, but it didn’t officially become so until August 1, 1969. The tune was actually written in the late 18th century as a patriotic song during one of the most turbulent political times in our history. The words were written by Joseph Hopkinson for his friend, a well-known singer named Gilbert Fox. As was the tradition of the time, the new words were paired with an existing tune; in this case, a melody by German-American composer Philip Phile that has been associated with George Washington.

"Hail Columbia" spread through the nation and almost immediately became one of the most popular patriotic tunes of the young country. The first time this song was played at an Inauguration Ceremony by the Marine Band was for President James Monroe on March 4, 1821. In the century that followed when the nation was looking for a National Anthem, “Hail Columbia” was actually a leading contender. Today, it is most often heard in its instrumental form to honor the Vice President of the United States, and that is how it is performed on Inauguration Day.

Philip Phile/arranged by Thomas Knox/"Hail Columbia"