On this day (February 17) in 1965, “Tennessee Waltz” became the fourth official state song of Tennessee. Many artists have recorded the song over the years. However, the most successful version came in 1950 when Patti Page released it as “The Tennessee Waltz.” Her rendition sold more than two million copies and was a hit on the country and pop charts upon its release.
Videos by American Songwriter
“My Homeland, Tennessee” became the state’s first official song in 1925, 129 years after Tennessee officially joined the union, according to the state’s official website. “When It’s Iris Time in Tennessee” was added to the list a decade later. In 1955, “My Tennessee” became the state’s official public school song. “Tennessee Waltz” was next, but far from the last. “Rocky Top,” “Tennessee (1992),” “The Pride of Tennessee,” “A Tennessee Bicentennial Rap: 1796-1996,” “Smoky Mountain Rain,” “Tennessee (2012),” “Under a Tennessee Moon,” and “I’ll Leave My Heart in Tennessee,” were adopted as state songs in the following years. Most recently, in 2023, Steve Earle’s “Copperhead Road” was added to the list…