Florida has a rich heritage, and

especially

true when it comes to the arts.

We hope to use this page to highlight our

heritage, and

to celebrate Florida artists.

Do you know what Florida's State Song is?  

Do you need a hint?

It is often known by 2 different names...

It has undergone several lyrical changes...

It was first penned in 1851...

And the answer is: 

"Old Folks At Home"

or

"The Swanee River"

Way down upon the Suwannee River,
Far, far away,
There’s where my heart is turning ever,
There’s where the old folks stay.
All up and down the whole creation,
Sadly I roam,
Still longing for my childhood station,
And for the old folks at home.

Chorus

All the world is sad and dreary
Everywhere I roam.
O dear ones, how my heart grows weary,
Far from the old folks at home.

2nd verse

All ‘round the little farm I wander’d,
When I was young;
Then many happy days I squander’d,
Many the songs I sung.
When I was playing with my brother,
Happy was I.
Oh, take me to my kind old mother,
There let me live and die.

3rd verse

One little hut among the bushes,
One that I love.
Still sadly to my memory rushes,
No matter where I rove.
When will I see the bees a humming,
All ‘round the comb?
When shall I hear the banjo strumming, 
Down in my good old home.

Revised lyrics, adopted by the Center for American Music, Stephen Foster Memorial, at the University of Pittsburgh.

We asked our Gainesville Y0uth Chorus Families for ideas of Florida songs that we may want to perform.  We received this amazing reply, and I am including it below:

"The song "Daddy's Moonlight Alligator Boat Ride" starts off with the line "I grew up under the Florida sun where the days were hotter than you can imagine..."

The Nashville musician Eve Fleishman was in Gainesville visiting her hometown family and friends and performed this song for the kids at Glen Springs Elementary, where Deborah DesForges was the music teacher.  

My kindergarten student fell in love with the song instantly.

The following year, my child picked that song for their audition for the Gainesville Youth Chorus.

I wish I had a recording of my little 6 year old singing this song - but every time we hear the cicadas and crickets start buzzing, the song pops into our heads and we all start humming about the alligator boat ride."

Florida Musicians:

Quick - Name 5 Famous Florida Musicians or Bands!  

     This should be easy, as apparently, we are a very musical state!

These are the ones that popped into  mind, and in no 

particular order:

Anna Moo

Tom Petty

Creed

Sister Hazel

KC and the Sunshine Band

Did you know that our current Florida State Flag was adopted November 6, 1900.  The flag has been modified slightly over the years, with the most recent being May 21, 1985.