NEW YORK 鈥� Composer Gene Scheer, whose song 鈥淎merican Anthem鈥� was quoted by President Joe Biden during his inaugural address, is returning the
The picture book 鈥淎merican Anthem鈥� will be released June 29, Penguin Young Readers announced Thursday. It will feature Scheer's lyrics and illustrations by 13 artists, including Fahmida Azim, Matt Faulkner, Veronica Jamison and Christine Almeda.
While speaking in January, Biden cited Scheer's lyrics 鈥淟et me know in my heart when my days are through, America, America, I gave my best to you.鈥�
鈥淚 was taken by surprise, and incredibly moved, when President Biden cited my song 鈥楢merican Anthem鈥� at the conclusion of his inaugural speech,鈥� Scheer said in a statement.
鈥淲hen I sat down to write this song more than 20 years ago, I could hardly imagine where it would go. I can鈥檛 think of a better destination than in a book for children. When I think of this beautiful visual tapestry of the American story, created by a diverse team of talented artists, I am brought back to the original idea that inspired 鈥楢merican Anthem鈥� in the first place: We are all in this together.鈥�
Scheer wrote the ballad in 1998. It was later popularized by Norah Jones, whose version was heard in the Ken Burns documentary 鈥淲ar."
The Associated Press
