What were some popular songs (by decade) in the 1820's through the 1920's?

Question

Hi, I am working on a project for my local historical society, and I need to find a popular song for each decade from 1820 to 1920. For example, in the 1880's My Darling Clementine was a big hit. Thanks so much.

Answer 1

Hi Jeanster!

What a great question! Way out of the run-of-the-mill, dreary and repetitive history stuff.

Anyway, here is my list for your consideration. I grabbed the whole lot from a lovely site, Contemplator.com (link below) that gives you all of the lyrics and the midi tunes too. Hours of fun!

I have had to be selectively personal in my list. There aren't all that many reliable records of which pop songs sold the most sheet music in the ealier parts of your era. Anyway, here's my list. Hope you like it.

1820’s“Gaily the Troubadour.” This song was written in the 1820s by English songwriter and dramatist, Thomas Haynes Bayly (1797-1839), whose other songs include Long, Long Ago. It was popular in both England and America.

1830’s“My country ‘tis of thee”. The words to America were written by Samuel Francis Smith in Boston, July 4, 1832. That is the patriotic preference. However, I suspect that “Turkey in the Straw” (1834) was more popular.

1840’s“The Marine’s Hymn”. The words are said to have been composed by a Marine stationed in Mexico (circa 1847).

1850’s“Lily Dale.” The words and music to Lilly Dale were written by H. S. Thompson in 1852.

1860’sIt depends which side you were on. If a “Yank”, then probably your favorite song would have been “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” (which nowadays we tend to think of as “John Brown’s Body”). If a “Reb”, there is no doubt: it had to be “Dixie”.

1870’s“Grandfather’s Clock”. In 1876 it was one of two most popular songs in America - the other being I'll Take You Home Kathleen.


1880’s“Clementine”. The words and music to the tune are usually attributed to Percy Montross circa 1880.

1890’s“Sweet Rosie O’Grady”. This song is credited to Maude Nugent (1877-1958), though some sources suggest it may have been written by her husband, Wiliam Jerome (1865-1932). Several publishers refused to publish it and it was only through Maude Nugent's performances that it became a hit, and finally published in 1896.


1900’s“Casey Jones”. There are several songs about Casey Jones, the famous railway man of the Illinois Central. The songs are based on the train wreck of April 1900 at Vaughan, Mississippi.

1910’sThis decade encompassed the Great War; which (along with all the mayhem) produced some Great Songs. But I’ll stay with the more peaceful selections. I really can’t make my mind up between “Too Ra Loo Ral Loo Ra” (1913) and “When Irish Eyes are Smiling” (1912). Your choice!

1920’sThe Charleston – what else!

And ...
That's all folks!

Answer 2

1920's - Charleston- Lucky Lindy-