Memorializing the Mission

Jan Reid’s thoughtful reflection on the Alamo along with Photo Editor J. Griffis Smith’s beautiful images, begins on page 24 of this issue. For another entertaining perspective on this singular San Antonio site, check your favorite bookstore for Music of the Alamo (Bright Sky Press, 2009, $29.95), which comes with a CD of eight tracks, including nearly forgotten 19th-Century tunes (“Will You Come to the Bower”) and more recent compositions (“A Parting Kiss”) about the Alamo and its heroes. With a foreward by Fess Parker, who played Disney’s iconic Davy Crockett, plus an introduction by rock star and devoted Alamo aficionado Phil Collins (who knew?), this fact-filled account of how the mission’s memorable story has been told in song throughout the years provides a terrific trip through time. Authors William R. Chemerka and Allen J. Wiener have assembled an insightful edition full of anecdotes, lyrics, photos, illustrations, sheet music, a discography, and history. This fascinating compilation puts a whole new spin on “Remember the Alamo!” and respectfully honors the shrine of Texas liberty.