1960 – The SUI School Of Music Presents – Vol. 2.

By the end of the 1950’s, the State University of Iowa had become a well-known school around the U.S. because of the great success and visibility of the Iowa Hawkeye football team. Under the leadership of Coach Forest (Evy) Evashevski (1952-1960), SUI appeared in two Rose Bowls (1957 & 1959). Read more here.

And with that national exposure, the SUI School of Music – which, of course, included both the Hawkeye Marching Band and the SUI Scottish Highlanders, decided to release an LP (long-play) album (see above) featuring music that was played in Iowa Stadium on Saturday afternoons. You can listen to that album here. The album found such great success, a second LP was soon recorded and released – with this one, once again, featuring the SUI University Band (below left) along with the popular SUI show choir – The Old Gold Singers (below right).

Recently, we acquired a rare copy of this 33 1/3 LP record, and we thought, you, Our Iowa Heritage readers, might enjoy listening to it…

*(M-0120)* This LP record – circa 1960 – was processed and pressed by RCA Victor, and produced and published by Recorded Publications Co.

Under the direction of Frederick C. Ebbs (Director of Bands 1954-1967), here are the eleven cuts from Side One – all marches – featuring the SUI University Concert Band…

On Iowa by W.R. Law

On Iowa, proudly at the fore. On Iowa, on for evermore. Ev’ry loyal son will give a rousing toast to you. Ev’ry loyal daughter loves you true. On Iowa, with your wealth untold. A heritage to us you did unfold. Love of family, love of friend. Love of country too, makes us proud for what you stand – Our Dear Old Gold. Read more about the ‘Who-wa-wa’ bridge here.

The Iowa Fight Song by Meredith Willson

The word is “Fight! Fight! Fight! for Iowa,” let every loyal Iowan sing. The word is “Fight! Fight! Fight! for Iowa,” until the walls and rafters ring (rah! rah!) Come on and cheer, cheer, cheer for Iowa. Come on and cheer until you hear the final gun. The word is “Fight! Fight! Fight! for Iowa,” until the game is won. Read more here.

Roll Along, Iowa by John H. Woodman

Roll along, Iowa, Roll down the field, On to victory! Roll along, Iowa, Don’t ever yield, Always a winner be! Get that ball, Give your all, For dear Old Gold, Raise her banner high! With firm endeavor, Roll on forever, SUI. Read more here.

76 Trombones by Meredith Willson
Read more about Iowa’s Music Man here.

King Henry March by Karl King
Read more about Iowa’s March King here.

Parisian Street Dance by Bernie Green

Orange Bowl March by Henry Fillmore

Hands Across The Sea by John Phillips Sousa

The Gallant Boulevardier March by John Cacavas

Golden Gate March by Edwin Franko Goldman

Hawkeye Glory by Karl King
Read more about Iowa’s March King here.

Read about – and hear – the top school songs at the University of Iowa in the early 1960’s here.

Fred Ebbs conducting the SUI University Band on tour in Europe.

Under the direction of Gerald L. Lawson (Ph.D., Iowa 1960), here are the six cuts from Side Two – featuring the SUI Old Gold Singers…

The Iowa Victory Chant by Charles B. & Miriam Righter
C.B. Righter was hired in 1937 to oversee the SUI School of Music. Read more here.

Iowa, It’s A Beautiful Name by Meredith Willson

Willson wrote this song – his first that honored his home state – in 1944. Bing Crosby introduced the song on the Armed Forces Radio Network and his first take produced hilarious results. Read more & listen to the 1944 recording here.

The Dream Medley by The Old Gold Singers features five dreamy pop songs.

Here, the old college classic – The Sweetheart Of Sigma Chi – ends The Dream Medley.

May The Good Lord Bless And Keep You by Meredith Willson

One of Willson’s classics – introduced in 1951 on NBC radio’s – The Big Show. Click here to read more.

Old Gold Hymn by John Carl Parish
Read more here about this school hymn written in 1905.

**The Old Gold Singers** was a student organization formed in 1957. As a traveling show choir, the group combined singing, dancing, and costuming to create memorable experiences for audiences, including an annual holiday performance called Cocoa and Carols. Today, the group has evolved into a smaller campus organization – Old Gold A Cappella.

**Simon Estes** had come to Iowa City from Centerville, Iowa, entering SUI with the intent of studying medicine, but with his strong baritone voice, he soon invited to be a part of the **Old Gold Singers** – becoming the group’s first Black singer! One day in 1961 – in the SUI music building (see pic above) – Estes was rehearsing with the group when one of the music professors – Charles Kellis walked by the rehearsal hall, hearing Simon’s booming voice coming through the door. Later, he caught up with that young singer, offering him free private lessons (Simon was too poor to pay), introducing him to opera, and eventually helping Simon find his way into the Julliard School of Music. You can read more about Simon Estes and his amazing story here.

Thanks SUI School of Music for the musical trip back to the early 1960’s. As it was back then, and still is today – On Iowa! Go Hawks!

If you enjoyed this LP, take a listen to the first album featuring the SUI Scottish Highlanders (above left) and the SUI University Band (above right) – featuring music that was played in Iowa Stadium on Saturday afternoons. Click here to take a listen.