United in Song brings hundreds together to celebrate Mississippi and U.S. history

Music throughout the two-hour program spanned generations and genres and included tributes honoring the nation’s armed forces.

A highlight of the night was the performance of “One Mississippi,” the state song written and performed by Steve Azar. Adopted in 2022, the song’s lyrics describe life across the state.

“I say
One Mississippi there's a magnolia tree
Two Mississippi
Where a mockingbird sings
Out on its limb
Whistling that sweet soulful hymn
I say
Three Mississippi to this land called home
I'll breathe Mississippi
'Til I'm dead and gone”

Also joining in the musical performances were several tribute artists. Brandon Bennett performed several songs from Elvis Presley. Keith Johnson performed a Medley in remembrance of legendary blues musician B.B. King. And singer Skylar James performed “Stand by Your Man,” a song written by Tammy Wynette and enshrined in the Grammy Hall of Fame.

The program also included historical and cultural vignettes highlighting Mississippi’s diverse contributions to the United States. These included monologues addressing the lives and legacies of Black WWII pilot Jesse Brown, and Choctaw Chief Pushmataha.

Gov. Tate Reeves spoke near the end of the show, calling on Mississippians to stand together as the nation approaches its quarter-millennium milestone.

“Through music, and art, and shared memories we’ve reflected on where we’ve been, and the people whose courage, sacrifice, and determination have brought us to this moment,” Reeves said. “The story of America has always been a story of hope. Hope that tomorrow can be better than today. Hope that freedom and opportunity can change lives. Hope that ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things. That hope is alive and well in Mississippi.”

Grammy Award winning country music star Marty Stewart and Oscar winning actor Morgan Freeman also appeared through video messages.

Stewart said “Mississippi singers, songwriters and musicians lit a match that set the world on fire with the songs, sounds and traditions that still shape music today.”

Freeman closed out the ceremony. He said “Leave with the song in your heart, and let it guide you toward greater unity and deeper connection with one another.”

The performance opened and closed with renditions of “Yankee Doodle” played on drum and flute.

Broadcasts of the program will air on MPB Think Radio July 4, and MPB Television August 2.