Richardson Waltz

Believe it or not, South Carolina's State Waltz is a song not a dance. The music, evolved over a period of perhaps 250 years or more, has been passed down by ear from generation to generation in the Richardson family.

This is a video of Mary Richardson Briggs playing the SC State Waltz. At the urging of the Daughters of the American Revolution, she documented this historic piece of music, translating the notes to paper for all South Carolinians to enjoy. Mary, who learned the song from her aunt, died last summer. Fortunately for everyone in the Palmetto State, Mary's niece Gretchen Huggins filmed her great aunt playing this delightful waltz shortly before she passed away. Gretchen has generously contributed her video to SCIway.

Our State Legislature adopted the waltz as a symbol of the Palmetto State in 2000. Act 389 was adopted June 22, 2000; signed by governor July 21, 2000. Bill reads: "This waltz is a beautiful and soulful melody, is a memento of the musical tradition of the Richardson family, has for many generations played an unofficial but important role in the musical history of South Carolina, and is deserving of designation as the Official State Waltz."

Category:

Music

Tags:

• south carolina symbol
• south carolina waltz

[Guitarzan94]

I am a Richardson from Mississippi and my family is linked to this song and I just found out! That's freaking great!

[lostnurrocknrol]

every time i hear this it makes me love my state that much more, even more so the city i call home Hilton Head Island.

[teahcasey]

Beautiful

[cards0486]

My very favorite city is Charleston, South Carolina. I listen to this, and think of parties 100 or more years ago. That turn drifting out into the warm night, and people dancing in those beautiful historic homes!

Such a beautiful song!

[hezpetunia]

What neat piece of musical history!