“The state song embodies all that is good in Alabama. It ought to be compulsory to be sung in every elementary school. They ought to get back to teaching it!” —Kathryn Tucker Windham— (Renowned Alabama storyteller, historian, and author of one-woman play "My Name is Julia")

February 22, 2010

Dear Editor:

In regard to the 3rd effort in recent years by a legislator to change our official state song, let me first say that our current state song that was adopted in 1931 by the legislature is a beautiful tune with lovely and dignified lyrics, appropriate to be sung at club meetings, gatherings, and assemblies. My fellow college students and I played and sang that song on many occasions in the U of AL “Million Dollar Band” in the late 1960’s. It appears that some of our legislators need to refresh their memories of fourth grade Alabama history regarding Julia Tutwiler, a Tuscaloosa native, who was an educator, prison reformer, and writer who penned the lyrics. Google her on Encyclopedia of Alabama and look at her contributions to the State of Alabama. A number of buildings on various college campuses are named in her honor. Prior to Tutwiler’s death in 1916, Alabama clubwomen and some prominent men honored her by portraits, plaques, endowed scholarships, markers, and published articles. The legislature in 1915 recognized her contributions. Such a change would serve not only to show disrespect but also to destroy another part of our Alabama heritage. It’s not about not liking change, it’s about keeping tradition. If the state Tourism Committee wants a song to promote Alabama in tv ads, then play the tunes, “Stars Fell on Alabama,” (a love song) or “I Come From Alabama With the Banjo on My Knee,” but don’t change the state song. In fact, why shouldn’t each session of the legislature begin with the singing of “Alabama, Alabama, We will aye be true to thee…” which would be an example for the school children and teachers of Alabama to learn it and teach it? Who knows, the way we are headed, the next generation of legislators may want to change it to B-I-N-G-O!

Sue Bass Wilson

President

Covington Historical Society

March 4, 2010

HONORABLE SPEAKER AND HOUSE MEMBERS:

Around 1868 I penned the lyrics to my poem during reconstruction just after my return from educational study in Germany where I heard patriotic and exciting songs.  I thought the people of Alabama could use some inspiration after the War Between the States, because Alabamians had suffered from the ravages of war. So upon my return to Alabama, I gifted these words to the state.

In 1917, Edna Gockel-Gussen of Birmingham, I am told, won the Alabama Federation of Music Club’s competition for her composition setting my poem to music. Later in 1931, a bill introduced by the Honorable Tyler Goodwyn, House Concurrent Resolution No. 74 was adopted making my poem and Edna Gockel-Gussen’s music the state’s official song.

The song, “Alabama, Alabama,” is easy for school children and adults alike to sing in assemblies, gatherings, and club meetings. It is exemplary of a state song with simple and dignified yet meaningful words which are easily memorized and yes, appropriate.

I tried to honor Alabamians with my poetic words about the state and its people – Tennessee, Coosa, Tallapoosa, Bigbee, Warrior, Northern vale, Southern shore, marble white quarries, magnolia groves, snow- white cotton,  perfumed south wind, golden jasmine, broad and fertile  prairies, strong-armed miners, sturdy farmers and loyal hearts. “Little, little, can(could) I give thee, Alabama, mother mine; but that little – hand, brain, spirit. All I have and am are thine.”

Education is an important issue in the state capitol, and I understand that after my death in 1916, I earned the title of  “mother of co-education in Alabama.” Daughter of Henry Tutwiler, a founder and headmaster of the Greene Springs School in what is now Hale County, my career was as a teacher, an administrator, and educational reformer. My father recognized the value of women being educated. I am buried in the Havana United Methodist Church cemetery in Hale County where my family has deep roots. Shouldn’t the creator of a state song be a native Alabamian?

Back in my day, I stood for what was right when it wasn’t necessarily acceptable at that time. Some said I was born 50 years before my time. Today I feel strongly that it is not right to change a state song so rich in tradition of almost 80 years, one  that was so carefully worded and composed to instill pride in all Alabamians. We must all follow a path in life of doing what is right, what is gallant.

It is heartwarming to learn that Alabama All-State High School Choruses, college bands and choruses have sung, played, and recorded beautiful arrangements of the state song over a period of many years. May the song ring forever in their dear hearts as they serve Alabama true to its heritage working to build a better state.

It has come to my attention that historical groups and Alabama citizens who have a great appreciation for the history and tradition of this state song of long-standing oppose the passage of House Bill No. 336. On behalf of not only the historical groups of Alabama but also of those unable or unwilling to speak and who share this same belief to want this bill defeated, I respectfully speak for them. 

A grave mate of mine who passed this life in the late 1930’s told me that a beautiful love song written in 1934, “Stars Fell on Alabama,” was a popular dance song of the 20th century, and that admirers of this jazz standard have danced many miles on the ballroom dance floors of Alabama; however, the words do not seem to be fitting for school children to sing. Other songs too that have been popularized and suggested for state song status just possibly may not have longevity. We must be very careful. Do we really need to change? We must familiarize ourselves with it to realize the full impact on so many.

Ten years ago in the year of our Lord 2000 when I was told that there was a proposal to change the state song, I rolled over in my grave. This time, I have come from the grave to simply ask the great and distinguished leaders of this legislature to keep the state song. Those who cherish it and who wish to preserve it will be eternally grateful. In conclusion, I offer this observation. Through the years, there are those who have stood at my final place of rest and whispered their kind words of appreciation to me. Now I would like to go, never to return, and REST IN PEACE knowing that the state song has been kept aflame for generations to come.

JULIA TUTWILER

Impersonator-Sue Bass Wilson

State song bill is 'shroud'ed

"Well I'd like to tell him 'Congratulations.' " That's what Sue Bass Wilson said yesterday when she learned the sponsor of a bill to change the state song received the shroud award for the "deadest bill of the session." Johnny Mack Morrow of Red Bay, who sponsored a bill to change "Alabama" to the state anthem and make "Stars Fell on Alabama" the state song, received the annual coffin-shaped award as the legislature ended its 2010 session. Morrow had said Alabama needs a more familiar song for tourism promotions. Wilson dressed as Julia Tutwiler, who actually wrote the state song, and went to Montgomery twice during the session to protest the bill. She also went to a tea at the governor's mansion hosted by First Lady Patsy Riley in her "Julia" attire. Wilson said Morrow "was very cordial to me and a real Southern gentleman." "I thought about it all day today, and hoped they didn't slip the bill in. I'm relieved," Wilson said. Wilson also has a Web site protesting the proposed change of the state song, www.savethealabamastatesong.org . 

Note from Kathryn Tucker Windham;

"Thank you for saving our state's splendid official song. Miss Julia would be very proud of you."

Kathryn Tucker Windham, Author and Storyteller, Selma, Alabama

E-mail from Cecelia Kervin Meeks;

"Sue-I want to thank you for defending Alabama's traditional state song. Perhaps if teachers-as you did at Montezuma (Christian Academy) would strive to ensure students learn more about Alabama's wonderful history, songs and traditions, one wouldn't have to worry about such nonsense as legislators trying to exchange our historic state song for a tourism gimmick. Thanks again, CKM"

Celia Kervin Meeks, Field Representative, U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions, Dothan, AL

Letter from Randall Bradley, DMA;

"In my years growing up in Florala, we learned the state song in the 4th grade when we studied Alabama history with Mrs. Joann Geohagen. When we went to the state capitol for our field trip, we sang this song proudly on the steps of the capitol. I think Alabamians could use a bit more old-fashioned pride in our great state, the pride that many of us grew up treasuring."

Randall Bradley, DMA Professor of Music-Baylor University, Waco, Texas