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:: Uncle Sam (I'm A Patriot) ::

Harlan Howard was not necessarily known as a singer or performer, but during the 60s, he was considered one of Country's finest song writers. His contributions are far too numerous and significant to get into here, but let's just say that even if you don't much care for Country music, you probably like a few Harlan Howard songs without even knowing who wrote them.

Howard recorded his own songs throughout his career, but never strove for stardom, leaving that to his wife Jan, who did have a successful singing career. Harlan had a hit in the early 70s with "Sunday Morning Christian", which pointed out the hypocrisy of people who do unkind things to their fellow man during the week, then sing "louder than the rest" in church on Sunday.

On "Uncle Sam (I'm A Patriot)" Harlan came out swingin' for the working men and women of the U.S. and A. who, although they complained about where their taxes went, were ready and willing to do whatever their country asked of them. Has that mentality survived in the ensuing 35 years despite the fact that the factories have closed and the jobs shipped overseas, leaving working folks with fewer options than ever? Probably. Red state, blue state. Whatever. Have you voted today?


Mike

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 07, 2006 at 2:06 AM. You can skip to the end and leave a response.