This version is based on two authentic Civil War band arrangements. We took some liberties with a couple of the interludes. Recorded live at the Iowa Municipal Band Festival in Boone, IA, on Saturday, July 11, 2015.
“Johnny” was written and published in New Orleans in 1863 by Patrick S. Gilmore, Bandmaster of the 22nd Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Originally attributed to Louis Lambert (a pen name of Gilmore) and based on a traditional Irish tune (Johnny We Hardly Knew Ye). the song quickly became popular with war weary civilians and soldiers alike. It regained popularity during the Spanish-American War in 1898.
1st Nebraska Volunteers Brass Band 