Speed, spectacle … & the Songbook?

The music of the Indianapolis 500, the Greatest Spectacle in Racing

Submitted by The Great American Songbook Foundation

In the spirit of the greatest spectacle in racing, the Songbook Foundation invites you to celebrate the legacy of the iconic Indianapolis 500.

As we approach another exciting race weekend, we’d like to reflect on the unique role the music has played in this timeless tradition. The Indy 500, with its tradition of speed and spectacle, shares a unique soundtrack of nostalgia and American pride. Join us as we delve into the unforgettable music experiences awaiting race fans at the Speedway over Memorial Day Weekend.

Back Home Again in Indiana

The Indy 500 is no stranger to the music of the American Songbook. “Back Home Again in Indiana” has become a race day tradition and a staple of the world’s largest single-day sporting event. “Indiana,” as it was originally titled, was first recorded in 1917 by the Original Dixieland Jazz Band. Composed by James F. Hanley to honor his home state, it was later covered by legends including Dinah Shore, Mel Tormé, Vic Damone, Peter Marshall, and Johnny Desmond. Each of these performers is represented through a variety of collections in the Songbook Foundation Library & Archives. This jazz standard remains a cornerstone of Indy 500 festivities and a Hoosier favorite.

To learn more about Indiana’s special connection to the American Songbook, visit our virtual exhibit, Great Indiana Songbook. The exhibit features a tour of many of the state’s important contributions to music, including artists like Cole Porter, Hoagy Carmichael, Florence Henderson, the Jackson Five, and more.

Florence Henderson

Among the many collections housed in the Songbook Library & Archives is the Florence Henderson collection of musical arrangements. Though most know her as the beloved “Mrs. Brady,” Florence Henderson holds a special place in Hoosier’s hearts, especially around race day

A native of Dale, Ind., Henderson became a staple at the Indy 500 and all the festivities before and after. She performed 23 times at the Speedway, singing either the national anthem, “God Bless America,” or “America the Beautiful.” At the 100th running of the race, her grand marshal duties included her delivering the line “drivers to your cars.”

Accelerate your impact with a gift

To commemorate Florence Henderson’s remarkable 23 appearances at the race between 1991 and 2015 and her impact on the Songbook, we invite you to join us in preserving her enduring legacy by becoming a monthly donor to the Songbook Foundation with a gift of $23 a month.

Your ongoing support not only honors Florence’s contribution to the Indy 500 but also plays a crucial role in advancing our mission to celebrate and preserve the rich heritage of the American Songbook. Visit our website for more unique, Indy 500-inspired gift levels in honor of these special Songbook connections.

Did you know there are many ways to support the Songbook Foundation outside of cash donations? Supporters can give from their donor-advised fund (DAF) by initiating a grant recommendation through your provider. DAFs are the fastest-growing charitable-giving vehicle in the United States and one of the most tax-advantageous.

Become a supporter

As we rev our engines for the month of May, we invite you to join us in the fast lane of support for the Songbook Foundation. In celebration of this iconic racing tradition, we’re offering unique race-weekend gift levels.

Begin this year’s celebration with a recurring, annual gift of $108 to recognize the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500. Or you may be inspired to make an annually recurring $200 gift, marking the 200 laps each driver experiences each race day. A recurring monthly gift of $33 would also leave a lasting impact on the Songbook Foundation mission, commemorating the 33 starting cars.

Visit our website for more options on how you can make a celebratory monthly or annual recurring gift at an Indy 500-inspired gift level. Set up automatic contributions for hassle-free giving that fits your budget and schedule today.

Honoring service

As we conclude this exploration of music’s role within the traditions of the Indianapolis 500, we must reflect on its significance in honoring our service members. The Indianapolis 500 has long been intertwined with Memorial Day weekend, a tradition that traces back to the race’s origins. Over the years, Memorial Day festivities have become an integral part of race weekend, with music playing a central role in elevating these tributes.

The melodies echoing through the Speedway during pre-race ceremonies serve as poignant tributes to those who have sacrificed for our nation. From the haunting strains of “Taps” to the uplifting refrains of “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America,” these musical selections have underscored the solemnity and reverence of Memorial Day at the Speedway. Their timeless melodies amplify our appreciation for the enduring legacy of American music and its ability to unite us in shared values and experiences.

As the checkered flag falls and the crowds disperse, let us carry the echoes of these melodies with us, remembering the sacrifices that make events like the Indy 500 possible and honoring the enduring legacy of those who have served. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to our veterans for their service and sacrifice, and thank you for joining us on this journey through the harmonies that underscore the greatest spectacle in racing.