George Frederick Root (30 August 1820 – 6 August 1895) was an American songwriter, who found particular fame during the American Civil War.
He was born at Sheffield, Massachusetts, and was named after the German-born British composer George Frideric Handel. Root left his farming community for Boston at 18, flute in hand, intending to join an orchestra. He worked for a while as a church organist in Boston, and in 1844 as a music teacher at a girl's school in New York. In 1850 he managed to make a music study tour of Europe, staying in Vienna, Paris, and London.[1] He returned to teach music in Boston, Massachusetts and later Bangor, Maine, where he was director of the Penobscot Musical Association and presided over their convention at Norumbega Hall in 1856.[2]
On his return from Europe Root began composing and publishing sentimental popular songs, a number of which achieved fame as sheet-music. Hazel Dell, Rosalie the Prairie Flower, There's Music in the Air and others were, according to his New York Times obituary, known throughout the country in the antebellum period. Root was not yet a household name, however, as he chose to publish his early songs under a pseudonym. [3]
Cover to 'The Battle-Cry of Freedom' by George F. RootBuilding on his talent for song-writing, Root moved to Chicago, Illinois in 1859 to work for his brother's music publishing house of Root & Cady. He became particularly successful during the American Civil War, as the composer of martial songs such as Tramp! Tramp! Tramp!, Just before the Battle, Mother, and The Battle Cry of Freedom. He wrote the first song concerning the war, The First Gun is Fired, only two days after the conflict began with the bombardment of Fort Sumter. He ultimately had at least 35 war-time 'hits', ranging in tone from the bellicose to the ethereal.[4] His songs were played and sung at both the home front and the real front. Tramp, Tramp, Tramp became popular on troop marches, and Battle Cry of Freedom became well-known even in England.[5]
Root was awarded the degree of Musical Doctor by the first University of Chicago in 1872. He died at his summer home in Bailey Island, Maine, at the age of 75.
Root was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970.
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Root, George Frederick : Songs of Victory No. 268 (choir)
Root, George Frederick : Hymns and Songs No. 263 (choir)
Root, George Frederick : Songs of Victory No. 086 (choir)
Root, George Frederick : Jesus Loves the Little Children-Beginner
Root, George Frederick : O Morning Star! (1881)
