[fife and drum playing "Battle Hymn of the Republic"] ♪♪ [music continues] [Applause] [orchestra playing a medley of patriotic songs] ♪♪ [playing "God Bless America"] ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪Lift up your voice♪ ♪Lift up your voice♪ ♪Lift up your voice♪ ♪America!♪ ♪I see the Rocky Mountains rising up♪ ♪to meet the morning sky.♪ ♪I hear an eagle call to celebrate his freedom as he flies.♪ ♪From the snow-caps of Alaska, through the shores of Maine.♪ ♪From the hills in Tennessee across the Texas plain.♪ ♪Down to where the Gulf spring waters flow♪ ♪I'll still hear the song I sang for you, many years ago.♪ ♪America, I still can hear your song.♪ ♪Your mountains and your valleys, they still sing along.♪ ♪Your beauty still proclaims, the blessing of you remains.♪ ♪Even 250 years have come and gone.♪ ♪America, I still can hear your song.♪ ♪In all your cities and your little towns,♪ ♪The melody rings clear.♪ ♪And every forest, every field, and mountain, music rings clear♪ ♪When we think about you, We speak with words of love.♪ ♪We testify to the praise♪ ♪♪ ♪America, I still can hear your song.♪ ♪Your canyons and your valleys, they still sing along.♪ ♪Your beauty still proclaims, the blessing of you remains.♪ ♪250 years have come and gone.♪ ♪America, I still can hear your song.♪ ♪America, America, God shed His grace on thee.♪ ♪And crown thy good with brotherhood♪ ♪From sea to shining sea.♪ ♪America, I still can hear your song.♪ ♪250 years, this country's name will sheer.♪ ♪America is beautiful.♪ ♪America is strong, United in freedom.♪ ♪United in song.♪ ♪Lift up your voice, America.♪ [applause] - And now, as we honor our nation, we ask everyone to please stand for the National Anthem.

♪♪ ♪Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light,♪ ♪what so proudly we hailed at the twilight's♪ ♪last gleaming?♪ ♪♪ ♪Whose broad stripes and bright stars through♪ ♪the perilous fight, o'er the ramparts we watched♪ ♪were so gallantly streaming.♪ ♪♪ ♪And the rocket's red glare the bombs bursting in air♪ ♪Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.♪ ♪Oh say does that star-spangled banner yet wave♪ ♪O'er the land of the free♪ ♪And the home of the brave.♪ ♪O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave♪ ♪O'er the land of the free♪ ♪And the home of the brave.♪ ♪The brave.♪ [applause] [trumpet fanfare] - The United States Army.

In World War I, 4,057,101 soldiers served valiantly on the field of battle.

To all the men and women of the Army throughout our history, our salute!

♪Over hill, over dale, we will hit the dusty trail,♪ ♪And the caissons go rolling along.♪ ♪In and out, here them shout, counter march and right about,♪ ♪And the caissons go rolling along.♪ ♪Then it's hi!

hi!

hee!♪ ♪In the field artillery,♪ ♪Shout out your numbers loud and strong,♪ ♪Two, three, four Hup two, three, four.♪ ♪Where'er you go, You will always know♪ ♪That those caissons go rolling along.♪ The United States Navy in World War II.

Four million, one hundred eighty-three thousand, four hundred sixty-six men and women answered the call to protect our country.

To every member of the Navy on every battlefront, we salute you!

♪Anchors aweigh, my boys, anchors aweigh.♪ ♪Farewell to foreign shores we sail at break of day♪ ♪day, day, day.♪ ♪Through our last night ashore♪ ♪Hail to the foam♪ ♪But till we meet once more, here's wishing you♪ ♪a happy voyage home.♪ - The United States Coast Guard!

During the Korean War, 44,143 members of the Coast Guard fought bravely for freedom's preservation.

To the many generations of Coast Guard veterans, our gratitude and our salute!

♪We're always ready for the call,♪ ♪We place our trust in Thee.♪ ♪Through surf and storm and howling gale,♪ ♪To win our victory.♪ ♪"Semper Paratus" is our guide,♪ ♪Our pledge, our honor, too.♪ ♪We're always ready, do or die,♪ ♪Aye!

Coast Guard we fight for you!♪ - The United States Space Force is the newest branch of the United States Armed Forces, established in 2019 to protect American and allied interests in space.

Called Guardians, its members defend the last frontier.

Ladies and gentlemen, we salute you!

♪We're the mighty watchful eye, Guardians beyond the blue.♪ ♪The invisible front line, We're fighters brave and true.♪ ♪Boldly reaching into space, There's no limit to our sky.♪ ♪Standing guard both night and day,♪ ♪We're the Space Force from on high!♪ - The United States Marines!

In the Vietnam War, 794,000 Marines and served their country with valor and honor.

To every member of the Marine Corps who served in every conflict, we salute you!

♪From the Halls of Montezuma To the Shores of Tripoli;♪ ♪We fight our country's battles♪ ♪In the air, on land and sea;♪ ♪First to fight for right and freedom,♪ ♪And to keep our honor clean, We are proud to claim the title♪ ♪Of United States Marines.♪ - The United States Air Force!

During the Persian Gulf War, 50,751 Air Force pilots put their lives on the line For the defense of freedom.

To all the men and women of the Air Force who have served their country, our salute!

Off we go into the wild blue yonder, Climbing high into the sun; Here they come zooming to meet our thunder, At 'em boys, Give 'er the gun!

Down we dive, spouting our flame from under, Off with one terrible roar!

We live in fame or go down in flame.

For nothing can stop the U.S.

Air Force!

Army.

Navy.

Coast Guard.

Space Force.

Marines.

Air Force.

This is America!

[applause] - Good evening, everyone.

It is my privilege to welcome you tonight on behalf of the America 250 Mississippi Commission.

I am honored to serve as co-chair alongside JoLynn White, who joins me on stage this evening, and Mrs.

Lynn Hoseman, whose passion and commitment to this effort have helped make tonight possible.

Although Lynn could not be with us tonight, we are grateful for her service and leadership.

Thank you for being here as we celebrate Mississippi's role in our nation's story and begin this historic commemoration of America's 250th anniversary.

Over the past two and a half centuries, our nation has faced challenges, embraced opportunities, and continued to move forward because of the strength and determination of its people.

Tonight, we honor that journey through the universal language of music, a language that has the power to inspire, heal, and bring us together.

As we begin America's 250th anniversary celebration here in Mississippi, we are reminded that this milestone is not simply about commemorating the past.

It is about recognizing the people who have shaped our story and recommitting ourselves to the future we will build together.

[applause] - The America 250 Mississippi Commission was created with a simple but meaningful purpose, to celebrate our history, honor our heritage, and inspire the next generation of Mississippians.

Throughout our state's history, Mississippi has made extraordinary contributions to the American story.

From our military heroes and public servants, to our artists, musicians, educators, and entrepreneurs, generations of Mississippians have helped shape the character and culture of our nation.

Tonight's celebration is a reminder that while we come from different backgrounds and communities, we are united by a shared love for our country and our state.

[applause] - As we look ahead to America's next 250 years, our greatest responsibility is to ensure that the values that have guided our nation — freedom, opportunity, service, and faith — continue to flourish for generations to come.

The future of Mississippi is bright because of the people in this room and the countless others across our state who work every day to strengthen our families, serve their communities, and invest in the next generation.

- As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, we recognize that this moment belongs to all of us.

The story of our nation was not written by a single generation.

It was shaped by ordinary people who chose to contribute, to serve, and to leave something better for those who would follow.

That is our responsibility today.

America 250 is more than a commemoration.

It is an opportunity.

An opportunity to reflect on our shared history, celebrate the achievements that unite us, and inspire a renewed sense of pride in our communities, our state, and our nation.

In the months ahead, we invite every Mississippian to join us in this journey.

Together, we can honor the legacy we have inherited and help shape the legacy we will leave behind, because 250 years from now, future generations will look back on this moment and ask what we did with the opportunities entrusted to us.

May they see a people who valued freedom, embraced responsibility, and worked together to build a stronger future.

[applause] - Thank you for joining us for this special evening.

Thank you to our performers, musicians, sponsors, volunteers, and all those who made this celebration possible.

And thank you for helping us tell Mississippi's story as part of America's story.

Enjoy the evening and welcome to United in Song.

God bless Mississippi and God bless the United States of America.

[applause] ♪♪ All right, Mississippi!

♪♪ [playing "R.O.C.K.

In The U.S.A."]

♪♪ ♪Well they come from the cities and they come from smaller towns♪ ♪Beat up cars with guitars and drums going♪ ♪Crack, boom, bam.♪ ♪R.O.C.K.

in the U.S.A.

R.O.C.K.

in the U.S.A.♪ ♪R.O.C.K.

in the U.S.A.

Yeah.♪ ♪Yeah, we're rocking in the USA.♪ ♪Hey!♪ ♪Well, I said goodbye♪ ♪to the family, said goodbye to the friends.♪ ♪With the pop dreams in their heads and very little♪ ♪money in their hands.♪ ♪Some are black and some are white.♪ ♪Ain't too proud to sleep on the floor tonight.♪ ♪And with the blind faith of Jesus, you know they just might.♪ ♪Rockin' in the USA.♪ ♪Yeah!♪ ♪♪ ♪Voices from nowhere and voices from the larger towns.♪ ♪Filled our heads full of dreams and♪ ♪turned our world upside down.♪ ♪And there was Frankie Lymon, Bobby Fuller, Mitch Ryder♪ ♪(They were rocking)♪ ♪Jackie Wilson, Shangri-las, Young Rascals♪ ♪(They were rocking)♪ ♪Spotlight on Martha Reeves, let's don't forget James Brown.♪ ♪Rockin' in the U.S.A.

!♪ ♪Come on!

R.O.C.K.

in the U.S.A.♪ ♪R.O.C.K.

in the U.S.A.♪ ♪ R.O.C.K.

in the U.S.A.♪ ♪R.O.C.K.

in the U.S.A.♪ ♪R.O.C.K.

in the U.S.A.♪ ♪R.O.C.K.

in the U.S.A.♪ ♪R.O.C.K.

in the U.S.A.♪ ♪R.O.C.K.

in the U.S.A.♪ ♪Ah ah ah!

R.O.C.K.

in the U.S.A.♪ ♪R.O.C.K.

in the U.S.A.♪ ♪R.O.C.K.

in the U.S.A.♪ ♪R.O.C.K.

in the U.S.A.♪ ♪♪ ♪Yeah, yeah, yeah♪ ♪♪ [playing "American Girl"] ♪♪ ♪Yes, she was an American girl raised on promises.♪ ♪She couldn't help thinking that there was a little more♪ ♪life somewhere else.♪ ♪After all it was a great big world.♪ ♪Lots of places to run to.♪ ♪Yeah, and if she had to die tryin'♪ ♪She had one little promise she was gonna keep.♪ ♪Oh yeah.♪ ♪Alright.

Take it easy baby.♪ ♪Make it last all night.♪ ♪She was an American girl.♪ ♪It was kind of cold that night.♪ ♪She stood alone on a balcony.♪ ♪You could hear the cars roll by out on that 441.♪ ♪Like a wave crashing on the beach.♪ ♪And for one desperate moment there♪ ♪He crept back in her memory♪ ♪God, it's so painful.♪ ♪Something that's so close and still so far out of reach.♪ ♪Oh yeah.♪ ♪Alright.

Take it easy, baby.♪ ♪Make it last all night.♪ ♪She was an American girl.♪ ♪♪ [playing "Fortunate Son"] Some folks are born made to wave the flag Yeah, they're red, white and blue And when the band plays "Hail to the Chief" Ooh, they're gonna point the cannon at you, Lord.

It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no Senator's son.

It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no fortunate one.

Some folks are born silver spoon in hand, Lord, don't they help themselves.

But when the taxman comes to the door, the house gonna look like a rummage sale It ain't me.

It ain't me.

I ain't no millionaire's son, son.

It ain't me.

It ain't me.

I ain't no fortunate one.

Yeah.

Some folks inherit star-spangled eyes.

Yeah, then they send you down to war And when you ask 'em, "How much should we give?"

And the only answer is, "More, more, more."

It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no military son, son.

It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no fortunate one.

It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no fortunate one.

It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no fortunate son, son.

[applause] - I was just a boy born of a poor family, raised as a sharecropper in the heat of Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

[laughs] There weren't many things that I looked forward to and not many people that I looked up to, only my dignified father and disciplined mother to name a few.

But there's one thing I can never take my eye off of and and that was the skies.

And I tell you why, because as a boy working in the field, one thing that always fascinated me was to look up and see them planes fly across the sky.

Because when you see them planes fly across the sky, you start to take your mind away from the work at hand and start to daydream about the possibilities.

And for me, those possibilities was to one day look down from the skies instead of just looking up at them.

I've always wanted to fly planes, since before I could remember anything else.

So I did something that only a young boy would have the gall to do.

I wrote a letter to the President of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt.

I asked him, "Why can't a black man, a black American, train to fly planes for his country?"

Now imagine that.

A boy from Mississippi wrote a letter to the President of the United States.

And to his credit, he replied, but that letter represented a dream.

That dream didn't change the world overnight, but it changed something in me.

That dream made me want to make it real.

That dream motivated me to graduate high school, which not many people who looked like me was able to do.

That dream made me look for opportunities to go to college in Ohio when my father couldn't And give me a dime to my name.

That dream made me apply to Naval Aviator School, despite countless advisements against it due to the nature of the challenge.

But that did not stop me.

My name is Jesse Leroy Brown, and I climbed through the ranks of Naval Aviator School and became the first African American to earn his wings in the United States Navy.

Now that wasn't easy.

[applause] Now that wasn't easy.

Folks would ask me, "Jesse, what's it like to be the first black naval aviator in the United States Navy?"

And I would respond, "I love to be a naval aviator because I love to fly planes."

And the hard work it took me to get here because the way I saw it, I was no different from anyone else who put in the work.

I was a man of color, but the color of my skin had nothing to do with it.

Even despite all the heartaches and the lack of support, I still served my country valiantly alongside my brothers and died honorably doing so.

Specifically, Mr.

Tom Hudner, my wingman who stayed with me to the very end.

If my life were to communicate one message today, it would be this.

Where you start does not determine where you will go.

Your beginning does not dictate your end.

Hold your head on right and your dreams real close.

Work hard, fight harder, and remember one thing.

The sky's the limit.

[applause] ♪♪ [applause] Ladies and gentlemen, the king of rock and roll, Elvis Presley.

[applause] ♪♪ [playing "Suspicious Minds"] ♪We're caught in a trap.♪ ♪I can't walk out♪ ♪Because I love you too much, baby♪ ♪Why can't you see♪ ♪What you're doing to me♪ ♪When you don't believe a word I say.♪ ♪We can't go on together with suspicious minds.♪ ♪And we can't build our dreams on suspicious minds.♪ ♪But when an old friend I know, stops by to say hello.♪ ♪Would I still see suspicion in your eyes?♪ ♪Here we go again, asking where I've been.♪ ♪You can't see the tears are real, I'm crying.♪ ♪We can't go on together with suspicious minds♪ ♪And we can't build our dreams on suspicious minds♪ ♪Oh, let our love survive♪ ♪Oh, dry the tears from your eyes.♪ ♪Let's don't let a good thing die.♪ ♪When honey, you know I would never lie to you.♪ ♪Ooh, yeah.♪ ♪We're caught in a trap.♪ ♪I can't walk out.♪ ♪Because I love you too much, baby.♪ ♪Why can't you see what you're doing to me?♪ ♪When you don't believe a word I say.♪ ♪Don't you know that I'm caught in a trap?♪ ♪I can't walk out♪ ♪Because I love you too much, baby♪ ♪Don't you know I'm caught in a trap♪ ♪I can't walk out♪ ♪Because I love you too much, baby.♪ [applause] [playing "Burning Love"] ♪Lordy mighty, I feel my temperature rise.♪ ♪Higher, higher, it's burning through to my soul.♪ ♪Yeah.

Girl, girl, girl, you're gonna set me on fire.♪ ♪My brain is flaming, I don't know which way to go.♪ ♪Yeah.

Because your kiss is♪ ♪a little bit higher, Like a sweet song of fire.♪ ♪Like my morning sky with burning love.♪ ♪Ooh, ooh, ooh.♪ ♪I feel my temperature rising, rising, rising, rising.♪ ♪Tell me I'm flaming.♪ ♪Must be a hundred and nine.♪ ♪Yeah.

Burning, burning, burning.♪ ♪And loving you, cool me, cool me.♪ ♪I just might turn into smoke, I feel fine.♪ ♪Kisses lift me higher, like a sweet song of the choir.♪ ♪Light my morning sky, burning love.♪ ♪Oh, get on it, son.♪ ♪♪ ♪It's comin' closer, the flames are now lickin' my body,♪ ♪Won't you help me?

I feel like I'm slippin' away♪ ♪It's hard to breathe, and my chest is a-heavin'♪ ♪Lord, have mercy, I'm burning a hole where I lay, yeah♪ ♪Your kisses lift me higher Like the sweet song of a choir♪ ♪You light my morning sky with burning love♪ ♪Burning love.♪ ♪Burning love.♪ ♪Burning love.♪ ♪I'm just a hunk of, hunk of burning love.♪ ♪I'm just a hunk of, hunk of burning love.♪ ♪Just a hunk of, hunk of burning love.♪ ♪Just a hunk of, hunk of burning love.♪ ♪I'm just a hunk of, hunk of burning love.♪ ♪I'm just a hunk of, hunk of burning love.♪ ♪Burning love.♪ [applause] ♪Glory, glory, hallelujah.♪ ♪Glory, glory, hallelujah.♪ ♪Glory, glory, hallelujah.♪ ♪His truth is marching on.♪ ♪So hush little baby, don't you cry.♪ ♪You know your daddy's bound to die.♪ ♪All......♪ ♪♪ ♪All my trials, Lord, will soon be over.♪ ♪♪ ♪Glory, glory, hallelujah.♪ ♪His truth is marching on.♪ ♪His truth is marching on.♪ [Applause] Thank you very much.

[applause] [drum beat playing] [Foreign Language Spoken] It was a dark and stormy night.

We had a lot of fierce winds and thunder.

Seemed like the thunderbirds and the four winds, the great winds were in a battle.

And out from that battle came a lightning that struck a large oak tree and that oak tree exploded with fire, smoke, splinters, branches all over and out jumped a warrior.

His name was A Pushma Taha Abbey, Messenger of Death.

Greetings, friends and honored guests.

I welcome you in friendship and peace.

My name is Pushma Taha.

I am chief of the Choctaw people.

When I was born, my people were numerous.

Our territory was vast around the lands that you now call Mississippi.

When the United States declared its independence, I was still a boy.

As I grew into manhood, then alongside a new nation rose next to my homeland of the Choctaws.

Many knew me first as a warrior because I fought bravely in battle.

I earned the recognition of my courage, and in time, my people chose me as a chief.

But strength in war is not the only duty of a chief.

A warrior may protect his people for one day, but a leader must protect his people for generations.

When the United States and when they were still young, called for allies in the War of 1812.

I led our Choctaw warriors, our Tushka, alongside American forces under General Andrew Jackson.

We fought beside each other as friends in a difficult hour.

And I believed our loyalty would be remembered and honored.

Years later, I traveled to Washington.

I met President James Monroe and Secretary of War John C. Calhoun.

I reminded them that no Choctaw had ever drawn a bow against the United States.

They received me with respect, knowing I'm not a beggar, but as a representative of a sovereign people.

Those were a difficult time.

Our homeland was growing smaller.

Settlers were settling in to an area that was promised to the Choctaws.

Our promises was being tested.

And then treaties were brought before us.

And some people may ask, why did you negotiate?

It was a time of choices that were narrow and a future uncertain.

A chief has to take on the challenges of that time in whatever form it arrives, be it on the battlefield or in a negotiating table.

In those times in council, I was seeking to preserve our land.

I was seeking for the best road that was still open to us.

I fought for our lands.

I fought for our rights, our dignity, always.

But in troubled times, wisdom is chosen not between evil and good, right and wrong, or, for us, from bad to worse.

The choices I made was so my people can endure.

If history remembers me, I want them to remember this.

I was a warrior, a tashka, when war was needed.

I was a diplomat when peace was needed.

I was a servant of my Choctaw people always.

[Cheering] Yakuke.

Thank you.

[applause] [applause] ♪♪ Some come from a great big land.

Some come with a great big plan.

To be an American, this land is you and me.

Some may wear a different dress, Some may answer "si" for yes, We know we have all been trusted, same as you and me.

Close apart, different as can be, The claim that's the same as liberty In any language we can say, I'm for you, USA!

Some come from a great big land.

Some come with a great big plan.

To be an American, this land is you and me.

Worlds apart, different as can be.

As land as the same as liberty.

In any language we can say, "I'm for you, USA!"

Some skin is a different shade.

Some songs are uniquely played.

Oh, I'm blessed that we all have made this land is you and me.

♪♪ [adult choir singing "This Land is Your Land" while children continue the song] ♪♪ [both choirs sing] ♪This land was made for you and me♪ [applause] [playing "One Mississippi"] ♪♪ ♪Fertile fields Of flatlands and hills♪ ♪Raise 'bout anything Whatever a farmer can dream♪ ♪Slugburger, shrimp boil Catfish fried up in oil♪ ♪Oh, good gosh almighty Just 'a husk a hot tamale♪ ♪Now that's Mississippi♪ ♪America's music birthplace where rock and roll was made♪ ♪out of our gospel and blues and that pure country tune.♪ ♪Oh, authors and poets so profoundly stoic,♪ ♪an imagination of a child, let their words run wild.♪ ♪Come on now.♪ ♪Now that's Mississippi.♪ ♪That's Mississippi That's Mississippi♪ ♪One Mississippi there's a magnolia tree♪ ♪Two Mississippi Where a mockingbird sings♪ ♪Out on its limb♪ ♪Whistling that sweet soulful hymn♪ ♪I say three Mississippi to this land called home.♪ ♪I'll breathe Mississippi till I'm dead and gone.♪ ♪And just carry on, oh carry on.♪ ♪Mississippi, yeah.♪ ♪We survived hurricanes, know them by name.♪ ♪Rose above the flood, built a wall of its own mud.♪ ♪Come Sunday morning, we profess our faith.♪ ♪With "Near the Cross" And its "Amazing Grace", ah yeah♪ ♪Now that's Mississippi♪ ♪That's Mississippi That's Mississippi♪ ♪I say one Mississippi there's a magnolia tree♪ ♪Two Mississippi Where a mockingbird sings♪ ♪Out on its limb what a sweet soulful hymn♪ ♪I say three Mississippi to this land called home.♪ ♪I'll breathe Mississippi till I'm dead and gone.♪ ♪And just carry on, oh carry on.♪ ♪Mississippi.♪ ♪That's Mississippi That's my home♪ ♪Round here's where the Muppets grew up.♪ ♪Potters and artists inspired all of us.♪ ♪There're kudzu walls And fall football♪ ♪A Gulf Coast sunset and a Delta dawn.♪ ♪It's simple nights, a smile on a face, taking that peaceful♪ ♪drive down the Natchez Trace.♪ ♪And our old man river, lavish lakes and streams,♪ ♪pines full of the wildest life and possibilities.♪ ♪Well I tell you that's Mississippi.♪ ♪Now Jackson, you know, has some kind of centerpiece♪ ♪on a most celebrated table of hospitality.♪ ♪And ain't it funny how the world has come to county, it seems.♪ ♪They're doing it everywhere.♪ ♪It's not just one, two, three.♪ ♪Naw, we're one Mississippi where there's a magnolia tree.♪ ♪Two Mississippi while a mockingbird sings♪ ♪out on his limb.♪ ♪Oh, and what a sweet soulful hymn♪ ♪I say three Mississippi to this land called home.♪ ♪I'll bleed Mississippi till I'm dead and gone.♪ ♪Won't you carry on?♪ ♪Oh, carry on.♪ ♪Carry on.♪ ♪Carry on.♪ ♪Mississippi.

Mississippi.♪ ♪That's my home♪ ♪Mississippi.

Carry on.♪ ♪Carry on.♪ ♪Mississippi.♪ [applause] Hello everybody, I'm Marty Stewart.

And I'm here to tell you, I've spent my life making music and learning where great songs come from.

And if you trace the history of America's music back to its source, you're going to end up in my home state of dear old Mississippi.

Mississippi is known as the birthplace of America's music, and here's why.

Blues got its start here, of course, but gospel, country, rock and roll, soul, and R&B all have deep roots here as well.

Mississippi singers, songwriters, and musicians lit a match that set the world on fire with the songs, sounds, and traditions that still shape music today.

Mississippi gave the world some of the music's most legendary names.

How about Robert Johnson, known as the King of the Delta Blues singers, Jimmie Rodgers, the father of country music, Miss Tammy Wynette, the first lady of country music, and B.B.

King, the King of the Blues.

Their music helped define the entire genre, and their influence continues to reach new generations of artists.

I grew up in Philadelphia, Mississippi, where music was a part of my everyday life.

It was everywhere.

You could take it off the trees.

I heard it in church, on the radio, at local gatherings.

Those early influences stayed with me and helped shape the kind of artist I wanted to become.

That's one reason I created the Congress of Country Music in my hometown of Philadelphia, Mississippi.

It's a place to preserve the history, celebrate the artists who came before us, and inspire young people creating the next chapter of American music.

But it's one thing to talk about music, and another thing entirely to hear a song brought to life.

Tonight, it's my honor to introduce the music of two of Mississippi's most unforgettable voices, The great B.B.

King and the first lady of country music, Miss Tammy Wynette.

You know the songs.

They're part of the soundtrack of your life as well.

Tonight, let's welcome them back home to Mississippi.

[audience applauding] ♪♪ - Everybody clap your hands like this.

It's blues time now.

Here we go.

[playing "Why I Sing the Blues"] ♪♪ ♪Everybody wanna know♪ ♪Why I sang the blues♪ ♪Everybody wanna know♪ ♪Why I sang the blues♪ ♪Well I've been around a long time♪ ♪Yes I really paid my dues♪ ♪When I first got the blues They got me over on a ship♪ ♪Men were standing over me, once more with a whip.♪ ♪Everybody want to know why I sing the blues.♪ ♪Yes, I've been around a long time.♪ ♪I've really paid my due.♪ ♪Can you play a little blues for me on that saxophone?♪ [saxophone solo] ♪♪ ♪Well I've laid in a ghetto flat Cold and numb♪ ♪I heard the rats tell the bed bugs,♪ ♪leave the roaches some.♪ ♪Everybody wanna know, why I sing the blues.♪ ♪Yes, I've been around a long time, and I really paid my dues.♪ ♪Let's hear a little organ going on.♪ [organ solo] ♪♪ ♪Well I stood in line down at the county hall♪ ♪I heard a man say We're gonna build some♪ ♪apartments for y'all Everybody wanna know♪ ♪Why I sing the blues♪ ♪Yes I've been around a long time You know I really paid my dues♪ ♪Let's go to the Mississippi Delta.♪ ♪Here we go.♪ [harmonica solo] ♪♪ ♪Can you help me sing it like this, fellas?♪ ♪Here we go.♪ ♪I said everybody wanna know.♪ ♪Yeah.

I said everybody wanna know.♪ ♪Everybody wanna know.♪ ♪Everybody wanna know.♪ ♪Yes, I've been around a long time.♪ ♪You know I really paid my dues.♪ ♪Let's sing it one more time.♪ ♪I say, everybody wanna know.♪ ♪Everybody wanna know.♪ ♪Everybody wanna know.♪ ♪Everybody wanna know.♪ ♪Here we go.♪ ♪Yes, I've been around a long time.♪ ♪Yes, I really paid.♪ ♪I really paid my due.♪ [applause] Wow!

♪♪ [continued applause] [playing "The Thrill is Gone"] ♪♪ ♪The thrill is gone, it's gone away.♪ ♪The thrill is gone, it's gone away.♪ ♪Although I live on, gonna be sorry someday.♪ ♪Thrill is gone.♪ ♪It's gone away for good.♪ ♪Thrill is gone.♪ ♪It's gone away for good.♪ ♪Although I live on, baby, I'll be coming to you♪ ♪like a good man should.♪ ♪Let's hear a little saxophone.♪ ♪♪ Can I play a little blues for you?

♪♪ ♪I'm free now baby.♪ ♪Don't you know I'm free from your spell?♪ ♪I'm free.♪ ♪I'm free from your spell.♪ ♪I'll be coming to you with open arms♪ ♪And all I can do is wish you well.♪ ♪Sometimes I sing it like this, I ain't gonna♪ ♪be the first to cry.♪ ♪Even though you had the last laugh on me.♪ ♪I ain't gonna be the first to cry, y'all, even though♪ ♪you had the last laugh on me.♪ ♪I'm just a link in your chain.♪ ♪Wow, wow, wow, your chain of fools.♪ ♪Here we go, fellas.♪ ♪Can I sing it like this?♪ ♪I'm free, I'm free, I'm free from your spell.♪ ♪I'm free, don't you know I'm free from your spell.♪ ♪Here we go.♪ ♪And now since it's all over, all I can do...........♪ ♪♪ ♪All I can do is wish you well, yeah.♪ [applause] [playing "Stand By Your Man"] ♪♪ ♪Sometimes it's hard to be a woman.♪ ♪Giving all your love to just one man.♪ ♪He'll have bad times and he'll have good times.♪ ♪Doing things that you don't understand.♪ ♪But if you love him, you'll forgive him.♪ ♪Even though he's hard to understand.♪ ♪And if you love him, oh, be proud of him.♪ ♪'Cause after all, he's just a man.♪ ♪Stand by your man.♪ ♪Give him two arms to cling to.♪ ♪And something warm to come to♪ ♪When nights are cold and lonely.♪ ♪Stand by your man.♪ ♪And show the world you love him.♪ ♪Keep giving all the love you can.♪ ♪Stand by your man.♪ ♪Stand by your man.♪ ♪And show the world you love him.♪ ♪Keep giving all the love you can.♪ ♪Stand by your man.♪ [applause] ♪♪ ♪Long, long time ago, I can still remember how the music♪ ♪ used to make me smile.♪ ♪And I knew if I had my chance, I could make those people dance,♪ ♪and maybe, promise, for a while.♪ ♪February made me shiver.♪ ♪With every paper I'd deliver Bad news on the doorstep♪ ♪I couldn't take one more step.♪ ♪And I can't remember if I cried when I read about his widowed♪ ♪bride.

Something touched♪ ♪me deep inside♪ ♪The day the music died♪ ♪So bye-bye, Miss American Pie.♪ ♪I drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry.♪ ♪The good old boys were drinking whiskey and rye.♪ ♪Singing this will be the day that I die.♪ ♪This will be the day that I die.♪ ♪Did you write the book of love and do you have faith in♪ ♪God above if the Bible tells you so?♪ ♪Do you believe in rock and roll?♪ ♪Can music save your mortal soul?♪ ♪And can you teach me how to dance real slow?♪ ♪Well I know that you're in love with him♪ ♪'Cause I saw you dancing in the gym♪ ♪You both kicked off your shoes♪ ♪Man, I dig this rhythm and blues.♪ ♪I was a lonely teenage broncin' buck♪ ♪With a pink carnation and a pickup truck♪ ♪And I knew I was out of luck the day the music died.♪ ♪And we were singing bye, bye, Miss American Pie.♪ ♪Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry.♪ ♪Good old boys were drinking whiskey and rye.♪ ♪Singing this will be the day that I die.♪ ♪This will be the day that I die.♪ ♪Now, for ten years, we've been on our own♪ ♪And moss grows thick on a rollin' stone♪ ♪But that's not how it used to be♪ ♪And the jester sang for kings and queens, in a coat he♪ ♪borrowed from James Dean, and a voice came from you and me.♪ ♪And while the king was looking down, the jester♪ ♪stole his thorny crown.♪ ♪The courtroom was adjourned.♪ ♪No verdict was returned.♪ ♪And while Lennon read books on Marx♪ ♪The quartet practiced in the park♪ ♪We sang the dirges in the dark the day the music died.♪ ♪And we were singing bye, bye, Miss American Pie.♪ ♪Drove my Chevy to the levee, thought the levee was dry.♪ ♪The good old boys were drinking whiskey and rye.♪ ♪Singing, this'll be the day that I die.♪ ♪This will be the day that I die.♪ ♪I knew a girl who sang the blues.♪ ♪Asked her for some happy news.♪ ♪But she just turned and walked away.♪ ♪So I went down to the sacred store.♪ ♪Where I heard the music years before, but the man there♪ ♪said that the music played.♪ ♪In the streets the children screamed and the lovers♪ ♪cried and the poets dreamed.♪ ♪Not a word was spoken.♪ ♪Oh the church bells they all were broken.♪ ♪The three men that I admire the most, the Father, the♪ ♪Son and the Holy Ghost.♪ ♪They took the last train to the coast the day the music died.♪ Y'all sing it with me.

Singing bye, bye, Miss American Pie.

Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry.

The good old boys are drinking whiskey and rye.

Singing this'll be the day that I die.

This'll be the day that I die.

[applause] Thank y'all.

[applause] [playing "America the Beautiful"] ♪♪ ♪Oh beautiful♪ ♪For spacious skies,♪ ♪for amber waves of grain.♪ ♪For purple mountains majesty♪ ♪Upon the fruited plains.♪ ♪America, America, America, God shed his grace on thee.♪ ♪And crown thy good with brotherhood,♪ ♪From sea to shining sea.♪ ♪Shining sea.♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ [audience cheering] [playing "Margaritaville"] - You guys sing along with us.

♪♪ ♪Nibblin' on sponge cake♪ ♪Watchin' the sun bake♪ ♪All those tourists covered with oil.♪ ♪Strumming my six string out on the front porch swing.♪ ♪Smell of the shrimp, they're beginning to boil.♪ ♪Wastin' away again in Margaritaville♪ ♪Searching for my lost shaker of salt♪ ♪Some people claim that there's a woman to blame♪ ♪But I know it's nobody's fault.♪ ♪I don't know the reason I stayed here all season.♪ ♪Got nothing to show but this brand new tattoo♪ ♪But it's a real beauty♪ ♪A Mexican cutie♪ ♪How it got here I haven't a clue♪ Come on everybody ♪Wastin' away again in Margaritaville♪ ♪Searching for my lost shaker of salt.♪ ♪Some people claim that there's a woman to blame.♪ ♪But I know, it's nobody's fault.♪ Play on!

♪♪ I blew out my flip flop ♪♪ and stepped on a pop top ♪♪ Cut my heel had to cruise on back home ♪♪ But there's booze in the blender ♪♪ and soon it will render ♪♪ That frozen concoction that helps me hang on ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪Wastin' away again in Margaritaville♪ ♪Searching for my lost shaker of song.♪ ♪Some people claim that there's a woman to blame.♪ ♪But I know, it's nobody's fault.♪ One more for Jimmy.

♪Some people claim that there's a woman to blame.♪ ♪But I know, it's my damn fault.♪ ♪♪ [Applause] [playing "It Don't Have to be Me"] [playing "It Don't Have to be Me"] ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪I got me a brand new car waiting in the driveway♪ ♪shining like a bright new star.♪ ♪I've been wishing on it every day to take me away from here.♪ ♪So I called in to where I work, told a little white lie.♪ ♪Know my back don't really hurt, no, no, but that's my alibi.♪ ♪My temporary ticket to anywhere but there.♪ ♪Call it an early weekend, call it going off the deep end.♪ ♪Call it what you want, I made up my mind.♪ ♪I don't have to be me till Monday, Friday, Saturday,♪ ♪Sunday.

I ain't gonna face reality.♪ ♪Three days without punching a time clock.♪ ♪Three nights going nonstop.♪ ♪No work and all play.♪ ♪I don't have to be me till Monday.♪ ♪Now I can do what I want to do.♪ ♪That's right, be who I want to be.♪ ♪I got no one to answer to.♪ ♪As soon as I turn the key.♪ ♪A cash machine, gasoline and we're out of here.♪ ♪Call it an early weekend.♪ ♪Call it going off the deep end.♪ ♪Baby you and me, we can leave it all behind.♪ ♪Yeah.

Cause I don't have to♪ ♪be me till Monday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday.♪ ♪Ain't gonna face reality.♪ ♪Three days without punchin' a time clock.♪ ♪Three nights goin' nonstop.♪ ♪No work and all play.♪ Sing it with me.

♪I don't have to be me till Monday.♪ ♪♪ ♪Three days without punching a time clock.♪ ♪Three nights going non-stop.♪ ♪No work and all play.♪ ♪I don't have to be me, oh I swear to God.♪ ♪I am not gonna be myself till Monday.♪ ♪I don't have to be me, I don't have to be me♪ ♪Till Monday.♪ ♪You don't have to be you, I don't have to be me♪ ♪Till Monday, I don't have to be me, I don't have to be me.♪ ♪Till Monday, four, three, two, one.♪ ♪♪ ♪I say hey, hey, hey, hey!♪ ♪♪ [applause] ♪♪ ♪♪ [playing Neil Diamond's "America"] [Applause] ♪♪ ♪Far, we've been traveling far♪ ♪Without a home, but not without a star♪ ♪Free, only wanna be free♪ ♪We huddle close, hang on to a dream.♪ ♪On the boats and on the planes, they're coming to America.♪ ♪Never looking back again, they're coming to America.♪ ♪Home, well it seems so far away.♪ ♪We're traveling light today, in the eye of the storm.♪ ♪In the eye of the storm.♪ ♪Home, to a new and a shiny place.♪ ♪Make our bed and we'll say our grace.♪ ♪Freedom's light burning warm♪ ♪Freedom's light burning warm♪ Come on!

♪♪ Everywhere around the world, they're coming to America.

Every time that flag's unfurled, they're coming to America.

Got a dream to take them there, they're coming to America.

Got a dream they've come to share.

They're coming to America.

They're coming to America.

They're coming to America.

They're coming to America.

They're coming to Mississippi today.

Today, today, today.

My country 'tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing, Of thee I sing today.

Today.

[applause] God bless.

[applause continues] - Wow.

What a remarkable night this has been.

We've gathered to celebrate our nation, to honor our history, and recognize the extraordinary role Mississippi has played in shaping the American story.

Through music and art and shared memories we've reflected on where we've been and the people whose courage, sacrifice, and determination brought us to this moment.

But anniversaries are not just about looking back.

They're also about looking forward.

As we prepare to celebrate America's 250th birthday, we are reminded that the story of the fate of our nation is still being written.

The next chapter will not be defined by the challenges we face, but by the opportunities we seize and the hope we choose to embrace.

For generations, Mississippians have proven that our greatest strength is not found in In our circumstances, it's found in our people.

It is found in the dreamers who start businesses, the teachers who shape young minds, the farmers who feed the world, the first responders who answer the call, and the families who work every day to build a better future for their children.

Tonight I see that future in this room.

I see it in the young people who will become the next generation of leaders innovators and change makers.

I see it in the communities that continue to go stronger together.

And I see it in a state that has never stopped believing in its potential.

The next 250 years of America will belong to those who are willing to dream boldly, work diligently and lead with courage.

Mississippi is ready for that future.

We are creating opportunities for our children to succeed.

We are investing in our communities, and we are building an economy that allows families to thrive right here at home.

We are preserving the values that define us while embracing the possibilities that lie ahead.

The story of America has always been a story of hope.

Hope that tomorrow can be better than today.

Hope that freedom and opportunity can change lives.

Hope that ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things.

That hope is alive and well in Mississippi.

As we leave here tonight, let us carry forward the same spirit that has guided our nation Thank you so much for being part of this historic celebration.

Thank you for all that you do for Mississippi.

We know that we are so blessed to live in the greatest state, in the greatest nation in the history of mankind.

[applause] So as we leave here tonight, may God continue to bless the great state of Mississippi and may God continue to bless these United States of America.

[applause] [applause] ♪♪ ♪When all the clouds darken up the skyway, there's a♪ ♪rainbow highway to be found.♪ ♪Leading from your windowpane to a place behind the sun.♪ ♪Just a step beyond the rain.♪ ♪Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high,♪ ♪There's a land that I've heard of once in a lullaby.♪ ♪Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue.♪ ♪And the dreams, the dreams that you dare to dream,♪ ♪Really do come true.♪ ♪There's a place for us.♪ ♪Somewhere a place for us.♪ ♪Peace and quiet and open air♪ ♪Wait for us somewhere♪ ♪There's a time for us, a time and a place for us.♪ ♪Time together with time to spare.♪ ♪Time to learn and time to care.♪ ♪Someday, somehow, we'll find a new way of living.♪ ♪We'll find a way of forgiving.♪ ♪Somewhere, somewhere, there's a place for us.♪ ♪A time and a place for us.♪ ♪Hold my hand and we're halfway there.♪ ♪Hold my hand and I'll take you there.♪ ♪Somewhere, someday, somewhere.♪ [applause] [applause] [applause] ♪♪ [choir singing] ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,♪ ♪♪ ♪As we lift our voices,♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪God bless America,♪ ♪♪ ♪Land that I love♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪Stand beside her and guide her♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪Through the night with the light from above.♪ ♪♪ ♪From the mountains to the prairies,♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪to the oceans white with foam♪ ♪♪ ♪White with foam♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪God bless America♪ ♪♪ ♪My home, my home sweet home♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ God bless America ♪♪ ♪♪ Land that I love ♪♪ Stand beside her, and guide her ♪♪ Through the night with a light from above ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪From the mountains to the prairies,♪ ♪♪ ♪to the oceans white with foam♪ ♪♪ God bless America ♪♪ ♪My home sweet home♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ God bless America ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪My home... sweet... home...... ♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪God bless America♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ [applause] ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ - I pray this over everyone in this room tonight.

♪♪ ♪♪ That if you don't know the Lord Jesus Christ, that you come ♪♪ to know Him and that you let Him radically change your life.

♪♪ ♪♪ [applause] ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪The Lord bless you and keep you.♪ ♪♪ ♪Make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.♪ ♪♪ ♪The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪The Lord bless you and keep you.♪ ♪♪ ♪Make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.♪ ♪♪ ♪The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪Amen, Amen, Amen♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪Amen, amen, amen.♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪The Lord bless you and keep you.♪ ♪♪ ♪Make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.♪ ♪♪ ♪The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪Amen, Amen, Amen♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪Amen, Amen, Amen♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪Amen, Amen, Amen.♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪Amen, amen, amen.♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪Amen.♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪Amen♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪Oh.♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪May his favor be upon you and a thousand generations♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪and your family♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪And your children and their children and their children.♪ ♪♪ ♪May his favor be upon you and a thousand generations.♪ ♪♪ ♪And your family and your children and their children♪ ♪♪ ♪and their children.♪ ♪♪ ♪May His favor be upon you and a thousand generations♪ ♪♪ ♪and your family and your children and their children♪ ♪♪ ♪and their children.♪ ♪♪ ♪May His favor be upon you and a thousand generations♪ ♪♪ ♪And your family, and your children, and their children,♪ ♪♪ ♪and their children.♪ ♪♪ ♪May His presence go before you, and behind you,♪ ♪♪ ♪and beside you, all around you, and within you,♪ ♪♪ ♪He is with you, He is with you.♪ ♪♪ ♪In the morning, in the evening, in your coming and your going.♪ ♪♪ ♪In your weeping and rejoicing he is for you.♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪He is for you, He is for you♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪He is for you, He is for you♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪He is for you, He is for you♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪He is for you.....♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪Amen, amen, amen♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪Amen, amen, amen♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ Worship Jesus!

♪♪ ♪May His favor be upon you And a thousand generations♪ ♪♪ ♪And your family and your children♪ ♪♪ ♪And their children and their children♪ ♪♪ ♪May His presence go before you And behind you and beside you♪ ♪♪ ♪All around you and within you He's with you, He's with you.♪ ♪♪ ♪In the morning, in the evening, in your coming, in your going.♪ ♪♪ ♪In your weeping and rejoicing♪ ♪♪ ♪He's for you, He's for you♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪He's for you, He's for you♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪He's for you♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ All glory to Jesus Christ!

♪♪ ♪♪ [applause] ♪♪ [applause] ♪♪ ♪♪ [applause] [applause] ♪♪ [applause] ♪♪ ♪♪ - Thank you for being part of United in Song tonight.

♪♪ As we celebrate America's 250th birthday, ♪♪ it seems fitting to be gathered here ♪♪ in a place that has in many ways defined the musical legacy ♪♪ and global impact of American music.

♪♪ Mississippi is the birthplace of American music.

♪♪ From Blues and Gospel to Country and Rock and Roll, ♪♪ the music that started here continues to reach ♪♪ people around the world.

♪♪ But at its core, music is about connection.

♪♪ It brings people together, crosses boundaries, and ♪♪ reminds us of what we share.

♪♪ Tonight, you've been part of that.

♪♪ So as you leave here, I invite you to carry ♪♪ that spirit forward.

♪♪ Leave with a song in your heart and let it guide you ♪♪ toward greater unity and deeper connection with one another.

♪♪ And may Mississippi's song for the next 250 years be one of ♪♪ creativity, inspiration, and endless possibility.

♪♪ Thank you.

♪♪ Good night.

♪♪ [playing "Yankee Doodle"] ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪