America250, the national nonpartisan organization charged with leading the celebration and commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, presents the first three tracks from America’s Soundtrack, a new music collection created for the occasion, with visionary producer Emilio Estefan Jr. as executive producer.
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The initial three songs — which Billboard can preview exclusively — include “America” by Gloria Estefan, now available widely for the first time; “American Promise,” a newly commissioned orchestral work by composer Karen LeFrak; and a powerful choral rendition of “Battle Hymn of the Republic” performed by The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. All three will be available Thursday (March 5) on YouTube.
“Music has always been how Gloria and I tell stories about who we are and where we’re going,” Estefan Jr. — who is married to Gloria Estefan — said in a statement. “America’s Soundtrack is about capturing our dynamic musical roots as a country while creating something forward-looking that reflects our future.”
“Music unifies us in a way few things can,” added America250’s chair, Rosie Rios. “As we engage all 350 million Americans in the 250th anniversary of the United States, America’s Soundtrack will give us a powerful way to connect through a shared cultural language — music.”
The debut tracks preview a “bold, genre-spanning collection … to reflect the full range of American music,” featuring pop, rock and more, according to the press release. “America,” initially introduced in 2015, reflects the Estefans’ gratitude for the freedoms and opportunities found in the U.S. as Cuban immigrants.
“American Promise,” a contemporary orchestral piece commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra, is described as “a musical portrait of unity, gratitude and faith in the enduring American dream,” while The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square’s performance of “Battle Hymn of the Republic” highlights “the powerful role music has to unite the nation.”
The world premiere of “American Promise” will be performed by the Miami Symphony Orchestra on March 8. The recording of the work was completed by the London Symphony Orchestra. Additional performances by the National Symphony Orchestra and other orchestras will follow throughout the year.
“It is an honor for ‘American Promise’ to be part of the Semiquincentennial celebration. The piece was written to reflect what America’s 250th represents — freedom, celebration and the vast beauty of the country we share,” LeFrak said.
Additional artists and tracks will be announced throughout 2026 as America’s Soundtrack rolls out, leading up to America250’s Fourth of July programming.
In the meantime, watch a video for Gloria Estefan’s rendition of “America” above, and listen to “American Promise” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic” below.
