When artists canceled their performances for President Donald Trump's June 25 Great American State Fair, one stood out for me: Martina McBride. The first time I saw Martina live in concert was at the Taste of Cincinnati festival in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Memorial Day Weekend in 1994. Her iconic song "Independence Day" had just been released as a single. It's a song we would have no doubt heard if she stayed in the lineup for the D.C. event.
Like other artists who withdrew, Martina felt misled regarding the political nature of the event. Artists now say what was originally presented as a nonpartisan semiquincentennial celebration quickly proved otherwise. Since Trump wants to fill the entertainment vacancies with himself as the headliner for a Make America Great Again rally, I'd say that vibe check pans out.
The confusion stems from the fact that there are two groups planning events for semiquincentennial. One was established by a bipartisan act of Congress 10 years ago, prior to Trump's first term, and is called America 250. The other was established in January 2025 with a Trump executive order and is a public-private partnership called Freedom 250.
It's no wonder people felt a bit perplexed.
In her statement, Martina McBride wrote, "In my mind I thought this was a great way to celebrate the states and also bring people together in the way that only music can."
I instantly thought of her songs "Love's the Only House," "This One's for the Girls" and "Girls Like Me." These songs remind me that this country is filled with people who look out for one another. These songs also honor what women of this nation have endured in the last 250 years. They inspire us to lift one another up and lean into the love that exists in everyday kindness.
Martina further wrote, "I've spent my entire career singing songs about real people with real issues. I've been blessed with the opportunity to be a voice for those who have felt like they didn't have one."
This is exactly what draws me to her music again and again. Martina champions women's stories, which is precisely what I try to do as an editor and conference presenter. Women helping women is a powerful force, and that kind of camaraderie is the core of Martina's music.
Just take a peek at the lyrics to "Independence Day," "A Broken Wing" and "I'm Gonna Love You Through It." They tell stories of resilience and grace, stories of women and girls who face incredible hardships. Martina's music shines light on the honest complicated reality of life in America and that's precisely what we should be holding space for during our nation's semiquincentennial. Our collective story is one of resilience.
After watching her perform at that festival in 1994, I stood in line to meet her. Martina took time to talk to me about my dreams and offer me advice as I pursued music. That's right, I thought music would be my career and writing would be my hobby. It turned out the other way around.
Martina's generosity of spirit stuck with me over the years. So when I read her statement last week, I believed her when she wrote: "It greatly upsets me that any fan who has been moved by my music may now feel like I'm abandoning the meaning behind those songs. I assure you, that is not the case."
I pulled out my photo album from all those years ago and found the signed polaroid of us together. Then, I made a new Martina McBride playlist on my iPhone and cranked up the volume. Thank you for your integrity, Martina, and for your dedication to the stories of American women.
"Let freedom ring/ Let the white dove sing/ Let the whole world know that today is a day of reckoning/ Let the weak be strong/ Let the right be wrong/ Roll the stone away/ Let the guilty pay/ It's Independence Day."
Do you know anyone who's doing cool things to make the world a better place? I want to know. Send me an email at [email protected]. Also, stay in the loop by signing up for her weekly newsletter at WriterBonnie.com. To find out more about Bonnie Jean Feldkamp and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
View Comments