American Icons: Dixie

This is the tune the nation brought to war. It’s been a century-and-a-half since a minstrel tune called “Dixie” debuted in New York. The song went viral, and soon North and South alike were whistling “Dixie.” With the outbreak of the Civil War, “Dixie” became an anthem of the antebellum way of life. And today we are still fighting over “Dixie.” Studio 360’s Trey Kay asks why it continues to divide the nation.
(Originally aired: April 15, 2011)
  
Bonus Track: Elvis Sings “Dixie”Elvis Presley sings “Dixie” as part of the song “American Trilogy.”

Bonus Track: “Union Dixie””Dixie” was popular in the North and the South. Bobby Horton performs this version, just for Yankees.

Bonus Track: “Everybody’s Dixie”Horton performs extra verses for those partial to the South in “Everybody’s Dixie.”

  
Video: Bing Crosby sings “Dixie”Minstrel shows aren’t ancient history. A black-faced Bing Crosby performed this version of “Dixie” in a 1943 movie of the same name.