BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC - Free Jazz Leadsheet

"Battle Hymn of the Republic" was written in 1861 with lyrics by Julia Ward Howe and music adapted from the folk hymn "John Brown’s Body." Originally conceived as a Civil War anthem, it has endured as one of America’s most powerful patriotic songs, blending religious imagery with calls for justice and freedom.

The earliest known performance was by Union Army soldiers during the Civil War, and it was first published in Boston the same year. Numerous early recordings appeared in the early 20th century by military and choral ensembles. Over time, it became a staple of American hymnals and was later reinterpreted by artists including Mahalia Jackson, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and Judy Garland.

Musically, the song follows a strong 4/4 march rhythm with a refrain that builds in intensity. Its melody, based on the camp-meeting style, allows for both solemnity and grandeur. In jazz and gospel contexts, performers often adapt its harmonic structure for improvisation and choral embellishment, keeping its message both spiritual and universal.