In this, the first comprehensive study of the music of the Fourth of July, information on notable Independence Day compositions and performances is presented chronologically from 1777 through 2008. The book demonstrates the remarkable significance of music in Fourth of July celebrations. Noteworthy topics and occasions include music at the White House; music by immigrant and ethnic groups; dedications of statues and monuments; symphonies and philharmonic orchestras; the centennial and bicentennial; world's fairs; music in prisons, circuses, and amusement parks; and many others.

George Hull (1590-1659) and his family emigrated in 1630 from England to Dorchester, Massachusetts, moving in 1636 to Windsor, Connecticut. Joseph Hull (1596-1665), his brother, emigrated in 1635 and died at York, Maine. Richard Hull (1599-1662), not a relative, immigrated before 1636 to Massachusetts, moving to New Haven, Connecticut in 1639. Descendants of these three immigrants lived mainly in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Tennessee and California.