Willson Pens "Iowa Fight Song": Iowa Time Machine February 12, 1951

Iowa Time Machine ⏰: On February 12, 1951, the Iowa Field House erupted with the first public performance of "Iowa Fight Song," a rousing anthem composed by Mason City’s Meredith Willson. The crowd gathered for a basketball game between Iowa and Indiana became the first to hear the words "On Iowa, proudly at the fore" blaring through the arena.

Meredith Willson had already established himself as a successful composer and conductor by 1951. Born in Mason City in 1902, he attended what is now the University of Iowa, where he played flute in the marching band. After leaving Iowa, Willson built a remarkable career in radio, film, and concert music, working with the likes of John Philip Sousa and conducting major orchestras across America. The early 1950s found him at the peak of his powers as a composer, seven years before "The Music Man" would make him a household name.

When University of Iowa officials approached Willson about writing a new fight song, he embraced the project with enthusiasm. The university's existing fight song dated back to 1909, and school leaders wanted something fresh that captured the spirit of post-war Iowa athletics. The Iowa Field House buzzed with anticipation on that February evening in 1951. The Hawkeyes faced off against Indiana in front of a packed crowd of basketball fans who had no idea they were about to witness musical history. During a timeout in the game, the University of Iowa marching band took its positions and launched into the premiere performance of Willson's composition.

The song's bold opening notes and martial rhythm immediately caught the crowd's attention. Fans heard lyrics celebrating Iowa's black and gold colors and the fierce pride of Hawkeye nation. The melody was catchy, the arrangement powerful, and the words perfectly captured the competitive spirit of college athletics. By the end of the game, students were already humming the tune. Today, "Iowa Fight Song" remains an integral part of the game day experience at the University of Iowa. #Iowa #OTD #History #Hawkeyes #Music