description The Missouri Waltz Overview
The Missouri Waltz is a patriotic American song adopted as the official state song of Missouri in 1949. The melody, attributed to John Valentine Eppel with lyrics by James Royce Shannon, gained national recognition through its frequent performance by President Harry S. Truman, a Missouri native, during his presidency from 1945 to 1953. The piece had been written earlier in the 20th century before Truman popularized it at public events.
help The Missouri Waltz FAQ
When did Missouri adopt The Missouri Waltz as its state song?
Missouri adopted The Missouri Waltz as its official state song in 1949. The song had already become widely known before that formal designation.
Who wrote The Missouri Waltz?
The melody is credited to John Valentine Eppel and the lyrics to James Royce Shannon. The division between composer and lyricist is why both names appear in references to the song.
Did Harry S. Truman write The Missouri Waltz?
No. Truman did not compose the song, but he was known for playing it on the piano and helped keep it prominent nationally. The credited writers are Eppel and Shannon.
Is The Missouri Waltz a classical orchestral waltz?
It is a popular American song built around a waltz rhythm, rather than a concert waltz in the style of Johann Strauss II. Its Missouri identity comes from the lyrics, state adoption in 1949, and long association with the region.
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