Story perspectives

Podcast Highlights Black Influence; Hendrix’s Anthem Tops Song Poll

7/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

Judy Woodruff hosted the “In Pursuit of Happiness” podcast with Ted Gioia and Sidney Madden, who said the Black experience is a powerful force in American music.
In a newsletter poll, respondents chose Jimi Hendrix’s “Star-Spangled Banner” as the top American song, followed by Paul Simon’s “American Tune” and Gil Scott-Heron’s “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised,” and also mentioned other genres.
Ted Gioia’s poll attracted hundreds of newsletter subscribers.

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Story summary

Judy Woodruff hosted the “In Pursuit of Happiness” podcast with Ted Gioia and Sidney Madden, who said the Black experience is a powerful force in American music.
In a newsletter poll, respondents chose Jimi Hendrix’s “Star-Spangled Banner” as the top American song, followed by Paul Simon’s “American Tune” and Gil Scott-Heron’s “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised,” and also mentioned other genres.
Ted Gioia’s poll attracted hundreds of newsletter subscribers.