I Hear America Singing: Music for Republicans and Democrats
Music was integral to both campaigns and provided an aural dimension to the rallies, speeches, and pamphleteering. Sheet music, song sheets, and songsters were produced in abundance for Blaine and Cleveland. While the singing tradition continued into the 20th century, it was especially strong in the 19th century. Before the era of recorded music, one needed a brass band, a piano, or a hearty chorus to cheer on one's candidate or ridicule one's opponent, as the following examples demonstrate.