The LOC.GOV Wise Guide : 'I Hear America Singing'

Poet Walt Whitman, in his epochal "Leaves of Grass," wrote, "I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear..." In his poem, Whitman praises the diversity of the American worker, "each one singing ... blithe and strong."

Dennis Carney, photographer. [Portrait of Dolly Parton].

[Kitty Wells, half-length portrait, facing front, holding guitar], 1956. Prints and Photographs Division.

A new Web site from the Library celebrates the diversity of American music. LC Presents: Music, Theater and Dance has recently added "A Patchwork Quilt: Dolly Parton and the Roots of Country Music," which offers a Parton biography, photo gallery, discography, and a timeline of the country music legend's remarkable career.

Speaking of legends, Parton was recently presented with a Living Legend award by Librarian of Congress James H. Billington. The award is given to recognize and honor individuals who have made significant contributions to America's cultural, scientific and social heritage. Other musicians who have received the Living Legend award include Harry Belafonte, Johnny Cash, Dave Brubeck, Odetta and Yo Yo Ma.

More sound recordings are available in LC Presents: Music, Theater and Dance in the "Patriotic Melodies" and "Gerry Mulligan" collections. Also, more than 20 thematic collections in the American Memory Web site contain sound recordings. If you go to the American Memory Collection Finder and click on the "Sound Recordings" link in the far-right column, you will gain access to a rich selection of music and other sound recordings from the Library.

A. Dennis Carney, photographer. [Portrait of Dolly Parton]. Reproduction information: Image may not be reproduced.

B. [Kitty Wells, half-length portrait, facing front, holding guitar], 1956. Prints and Photographs Division. Reproduction information: Reproduction No.: LC-USZ62-126143 (b&w film copy neg.); Call No.: NYWTS - BIOG--Wells, Kitty--Singer [item] [P&P]