Hail to the Chief

Lore & Background

The music was first associated with the President in 1815, when it was played under the name "Wreaths for the Chieftain" to honor both George Washington and the end of the War of 1812. Andrew Jackson was the first living President to have the song used to honor his position in 1829. President Chester A. Arthur did not like the song and asked John Philip Sousa to compose a new song entitled "Presidential Polonaise". After Arthur left office, the Marine Band resumed playing "Hail to the Chief" for public appearances by the President.

Reader's Guide

The song's playing accompanies the appearance of the president of the United States at many public events; it is also played at inauguration ceremonies, playing at the arrival of the incumbent president (outgoing or newly re-elected, as the case may be), and immediately after the president takes his oath of office. For a time, it was also played at the end of the ceremonies with the departure of the president. For major official occasions, the United States Marine Band and other military ensembles are generally the performers, so directives of the United States Department of Defense have, since 1954, been the main basis for according it official status. It is preceded by four ruffles and flourishes when played for the president. The song is also played during a former President's state funeral after the casket is removed from the hearse.

Did You Know?

• Gerald Ford did not use the song during his administration, preferring to be introduced with "The Victors", the fight song of his alma mater University of Michigan.
• President Jimmy Carter banned the playing of the song for a brief time during his tenure, but reversed the decision after public backlash.