Helen Steele facts for kids
Helen Steele (born June 21, 1894) was an American composer and pianist. She is best known for her song America, Our Heritage, which was written for a band and a chorus to perform together.
Helen Steele's Early Life and Education
Helen Steele was born in Enfield, Connecticut. Her parents were Agnes McCane and George Steele. She loved music and studied it at two colleges: Wellesley College and Mount Holyoke College. She earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree from Mount Holyoke.
On September 12, 1921, Helen married Wager Swayne Kelly. He was a voice teacher and also used the name Wager Harris. Sadly, he passed away in 1944.
Her Musical Career and Famous Song
Helen Steele was a talented pianist. She often played the piano for tenor singer Enrique Ruiz during his concerts. They also worked together to create several musical pieces.
Her most famous song, America, Our Heritage, was performed live on a very popular TV show called The Ed Sullivan Show. This happened on August 17, 1969. The Washington D.C. Festival Chorus also recorded the song, making it available for many more people to hear.
Other Musical Works
Helen Steele was a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP). This group helps protect the rights of people who create music. Her music was published by Shawnee Press, Inc.
Here are some of her other vocal compositions:
- America, Our Heritage (for band and chorus; arranged by Hawley Ades)
- “Duerme”
- “El Afilador” (This means "The Scissors Grinder" in English; she wrote it with Enrique Ruiz and Guido Vandt)
- “Lagrimas” (This means "Blue Tears"; Guido Vandt wrote the English words, Enrique Ruiz wrote the Spanish words and music, and Helen Steele arranged it)
- “Legend of Befana”
- “Let’s Planet”
- “May Our Love Today Live Tomorrow” (Guido Vandt wrote the words, and Enrique Ruiz and Helen Steele wrote the music)
