In a time of growing conflict and division in the U.S., singer-songwriter Camille Harrison offers an expressive and elegant rendition of the iconic song “America The Beautiful.” Camille’s version reminds us of the beauty that exists in our country and among its people—encouraging unity, respect, and compassion, despite our differences.
As an accomplished adult contemporary singer-songwriter, Camille has graced the stage with legends like Hank Williams, Jr., and Dolly Parton, and recorded with the renowned Floyd Cramer at RCA Studios in Nashville. Known for her versatility across genres including jazz, traditional pop, and country, Camille also penned the Top 40 Billboard hit “Standing Still” for The Clark Family Experience and contributed to the soundtrack of The Prince of Egypt.
“My intention for recording ‘America, the Beautiful’ is with this year being an election year in the U.S.,” Camille says, “there will be, and is a lot of disagreement and discord, to say the least. I wanted to remind us to remember to see the beauty in America, as well as in our friends and neighbors. To be mindful of how we can keep encouraging each other instead of losing friendships or making enemies by having different beliefs, and to keep America beautiful and safe. I wanted to think of how I could contribute to that, and for me, it’s pretty much always music. Creating something new and uplifting out of something classic was my goal.”
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In her rendition, Camille honors not only the country’s landscape but also those who have sacrificed for its freedom. “I wanted to honor those who paid the ultimate price and fought for our freedom. By having mercy and faithfulness to their families, the memories of their loved ones are honored in our renditions of this piece of music. Starting with bass and acoustic guitar by Kerry Marx, I added keys and percussion with Jeffrey Roach and Gary Prim, edited by Brian Willis, and throughout the additions I sang lead and whole lotta vocal parts in my home, later mixed by Clarke Schleicher. The record cover design is a photo taken from a photo session with the late Rusty Russell.
Drawing on the original lyrics written by Katherine Lee Bates, Camille reflects on the song’s origins around September 11 and the election year. “Having spent a good bit of time writing songs, I also think about where songs come from. As a country facing a fork in the road, it seems to me it’s a good time to reflect on where we as a country come from.
To remain on the side of wisdom and light, we want to appreciate the bright blue sunny spacious skies, embrace the falling rain, and stand amazed by our majestic mountains that lyricist Katherine Lee Bates wrote of the sights she saw on a train to Colorado Springs, Colorado, and remain in awe of the powerful and relentless oceans from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.”
Camille adds, “How do we continue to stretch and extend the beauty of our country around the world? Just as the memorable tune came to organist and choir director Samuel Ward while he was on a ferry boat trip from Coney Island back to his home in New York City, we too can make the music made in the US reach around the world.”
As Camille’s version delightfully captures, there is a profound need to appreciate the unity of our nation amidst current challenges. “There’s so much war and strife. Now is the time to open our hearts, make peace with one another, and move forward together” she adds. Through this, her intention is to inspire a sense of togetherness and respect, encouraging us all to focus on the common ground that binds us.
