America, Why I Love Her
Album Description
This best-selling recording was performed by the legendary John Wayne. It’s finally available as Duke’s spoken-word CD of poetry, written by Big John Mitchum. It’s a must-have for all patriotic Americans, film buffs, collectors and poetry fans.Amazon.com
This sentimentally over-the-top spoken-word recording was originally issued in 1973, during the height of Watergate and the final, unsettling days of the Vietnam War. In the wake of September 11, 2001, the John Wayne Estate reissued it on CD. And why not? Marion Morrison, a.k.a. John Wayne and the Duke, remains an enduring symbol of America–a country with an endlessly conflicted legacy of largely improvised symbolism, national myths, revised-on-a-dime history, and the freedom to make a buck on effusive patriotic rhetoric. Kitsch collectors may welcome the chance to own a true genre staple in digital sound, while others may yet find genuine solace in its orchestra-and-choir-backed oratory. With a poetic sensibility that seldom strays from the “Carolina pines/Appalachian mines” level of its opening verses, Wayne’s processed voice (which betrays the health problems that would be his demise) expounds on topics that range from his homeland’s undeniable natural beauty to his son’s high school football career and the wisdom of a fictionalized aging Mexican caballero. The would-be idealism in “The Hyphen” aims to erase ethnic and racial boundaries, yet modern hyphenated Americans may find continued prejudice and the vagaries of history have rendered its rhetoric distinctly double-edged. Still, Wayne’s love of country emanates from every track. Patriotism may be the last refuge of scoundrels, but it’s been graciously hospitable to Hollywood icons, from the Duke to Dutch Reagan. –Jerry McCulley
America, Why I Love Her
Filed under: Book
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Don’t get me wrong here,as an actor John Wayane has few equals..But John wyane was not only an actor..During the McCarthy era he and a lot of his acting pals(Most notably Ward Bond,one of his close friends)were in the forefront favoring a”blacklist”and demanding that all alledged”communists”be drummed out of Hollywood(or worse)..Likewise,during our last UNNECESSARY war,in a little place called Viet Nam,John Wyane was outfront,using his star status to energise the so called”silent majority”to waste more millions(then,BILLIONS today in Iraq)and shed more blood for absolutely no purpose..So it is interesting,to say the very least,to find this album by him,extolling virtues that,by his actions,he himself had little faith in…John Wyane,like a lot of other public patriots,never served in the military,never fought to defend this country,never was in any danger whatsoever championing the values he sings(or,rather,speaks )about on this disc..Now I have read a lot about how this album reflects american ideals,american values,ect.,ect.,ect.,but it would be a welcome change if the next album like this that is put out in order to pander to the patriotic crowd is done by someone who at least believes in the sentiments expressed by the songs/POST SCRIPT…So if the Duke was such a patriot how come HE NEVER SERVED IN THE MILITARY?Other stars of his era did…Jimmy Stewart…Clark Gable..Eddie Albert(who WAS a real hero besides being an entertainer)…No..The Duke only pounded his chest about”patriotism”and “american values”(like someone else we all know,whose initials are G.W.B.!)..Give me a break…John Wayne’s patriotism was all flash and no real substance,which perhaps makes his album the perfect vehicle for most of today’s “patriots”
Rating: 1 / 5
I didn’t rec’v my used cd. The seller didn’t sent it to me and I ordered it 2 weeks ago. I had to contact him to find that he didn’t have it. Said he sold out. There was only one used cd when i purchased it and it was confirmed.
Rating: 1 / 5
The year was 1973. Patriotism was at an all time low thanks to Vietnam and Watergate. One man decided to do something about it. From out of the west came… an actor. No, not Ronald Reagan! It was John Wayne! Yes, the Duke himself. He recorded a narrative tribute (with orchestra and chorus) to America. Wayne himself did not sing, which may have been for the best. I don’t know if this album restored anyone’s patriotism. I admire John Wayne as an actor, but honestly, this album is kind of corny and boring. If you are more of a flag waver than I am, you may get more out of this album than I did.
Rating: 2 / 5
I ordered “America, why I Love Her” but never received it.
Amazon mailed it to the wrong address and it was returned.
Rating: 1 / 5
As a fan of John Wayne I jumped at the chance to own a copy of this directly after it was released. Now, I tend to consider myself a patriot, and I loved the Duke no less after I heard this album. However, we live in a nation now, which celebrates it’s diversity, indeed, what each of us brings to the whole. This is represented by many millions of Americans, by the hyphon, something which the Duke considers “evil”. Now, this was a different time, different place, and a different point of view, which should still be heard and considered. I personally feel this was the “wrong” point of view, but he surely had his reasons. If seperate was not equal, that to seperate ourselves, limits how we are similar or equal. In fact, I used to think this way, but not anymore. Now, I love the Duke anyway; overlooking this small point. Buy the CD, you’ll love every minute of it, whether you agree with the man or not.
Rating: 3 / 5