Franklin Delano Roosevelt in Song
April 21, 2001

More songs have been written about FDR than any other U.S. president.

The Roosevelt Library in New York contains some fourteen thousand songs that regular Americans wrote to Franklin Delano and Eleanor Roosevelt during their time in the White house. History professor Patrick Maney explored these songs while researching a biography of FDR. Now, he talks with Scott about why so many people were inspired to write - and sing about their president. Hear their discussion.


Listen to sample recordings.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt by Scotty the Drifter

FDR Jones sung by Judy Garland

Good Old Franklin D by Lonnie Glosson and Floyd McGinnis

Tell Me Why You like Roosevelt by Otis Jackson and The National Clouds of Joy

Dear Mrs. Roosevelt sung by Bob Dylan