“My Old Kentucky Home” is Kentucky’s state song, composed by Stephen Collins Foster in 1852. Originally titled “Poor Uncle Tom, Good Night,” it was changed to appeal to Southern audiences. The lyrics were modified in 1986 to remove racial slurs. The song is played at sporting events, including the Kentucky Derby and University of Kentucky and Louisville games. The inspiration for the song is unclear, but it is believed to have been based on a visit to Bardstown, Kentucky.
Kentucky’s state song is “My Old Kentucky Home,” believed to have been composed by Stephen Collins Foster in 1852 and published by Firth, Pound and Company of New York in 1853. The song was originally titled “Poor Uncle Tom, Good Night”. !” and it is believed that Foster wished to capitalize on the success of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s 1851 novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin. He may have later changed the title to increase the song’s appeal to Southern American audiences, many of whom disapproved of Beecher Stowe’s work. “My Old Kentucky Home” was officially designated the state song of Kentucky on March 19, 1928. The lyrics of the first verse were slightly changed in 1986, to remove racial slurs that were deemed inappropriate and offensive.
Legend has it that Foster got the inspiration for the song that would become “My Old Kentucky Home” from a visit to his relatives, the Rowans, in Bardstown, Kentucky. According to this legend, Foster was impressed by the Rowan’s stately home, nicknamed the Federal Hill Mansion. Historians point out, however, that there is no record of Foster ever visiting Bardstown. The Kentucky state song’s lyrics also conflict with the idea that Foster felt inspired by a visit to the Federal Hill Mansion in Bardstown, as they make no reference to the house or its grounds. The song instead refers to a humble hut.
“My Old Kentucky Home” is traditionally played at sporting events in Kentucky. The Kentucky Der is known for playing the Kentucky state song during the post parade. The tradition is believed to have begun in 1921 with the victory of the Kentucky purebred horse Behave Yourself. The University of Louisville Marching Band has undertaken this traditional performance every year since 1936.
The University of Kentucky, located in Lexington, also uses the Kentucky state song as a traditional part of sporting events. The varsity soccer team traditionally hears this song before every home game. The university also plays the song at home basketball games, generally after the game has been completed. Cheerleaders and team fans are generally expected to remain silent during these renditions of “My Old Kentucky Home.” Team supporters are usually asked to extend their right hand, with index fingers raised, as a show of support for the team.
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