Monday, February 4, 2008

America Sings - 1974


"American Sings" one of my personal Disneyland favorites. As a kid I thought the building was built for America Sings, I guess I never noticed the Old Carrousel of Progress. This attraction was so fun and so creative, boy do I miss it.

I am unable to get an exact opening date for America Sings, only "2 weeks before July 8th, 1974" (according to Wikipedia). This Summer Press Party ticket would support that date. Does anyone know that actual opening date of America Sings? I wonder if any collectors have the Special Souvenir Gift memento?



"America Sings" first appearance on the Guide book, this one is from the Summer of 1974.



I have a bunch of these "Mini posters" These are the like "Attraction Posters" for us ticket collectors, only a LOT cheaper! These were used at the credit unions and other local unions to advertise thier special "Family Party" night at Disneyland. I really love the art work on these.





Here is a video of the complete show. It’s from the mid 1980’s, it’s dark and grainy, but the sound is good. If you have ever seen the attraction, it will bring back memories. If you have never seen it, sorry about this crummy video, the attraction was way better than this looks! Notice the people really get into the show, it was hard not too.





There was a complete sound track available on LP (not sure about CD?) of the audio portion of America Sings. In fact, I just checked and there is one on Ebay right now (Link), I want it, looks like this post might cost me...



I know this attraction was getting old by 1988, but I wish it was still there. The patriotic spirit of this show could sure be used now. I like the way the building used to be a giant stylized American flag, it just made you feel good to look at it as it turned slowly all day long...

10 comments:

Jason Schultz said...

America Sings opened on June 29, 1974. I think there might have been a separate dedication, but I don't have time to check that right now!

Jason Schultz said...

I didn't find anything in the LA Times about a separate dedication, but the articles do agree with Disney A-Z that it opened June 29.

The America Sings soundtrack was issued on the Disneyland Forever kiosks (in mono and stereo and "racist" and "non-racist" versions). I'm pretty sure it was also issued on the Wonderland Music System, too.

The Viewliner Limited said...

Although the Carousel of Progress was my favorite. America Sings is also at the top of my list. Great stuff VDT. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Another excellent post VDT! I remember first seeing America Sings in late summer '74 and being delighted by the show, from the AA to the transitional lighting effects between acts. (Of course I got the LP and within 5 years had played it nigh unto total scratchiness, along with the Lincoln soundtrack album.) For me, America Sings never really filled the loss of the Carousel of Progress... and I always grumbled that it was off-theme for Tomorrowland... but it was fun nonetheless.

Anyone remember the politically-corrected lyric switcheroo in "Who Shot the Hole in My Sombrero?" Was it '75-'76 or thereabouts?

Jason Schultz said...

Mr. Wiggins: It was actually shortly after the attraction opened, likely late August 1974 or possibly September.

Matterhorn1959 said...

VDT- I own one of the Sam the Eagle Giveaways. It is a nice statue of Sam. The statues originally came in a plastic bird cage. I bid on a couple but never won one. I also have the original art for the cover of your Disneyland Guide. It was also used for a cover of a Disney News and Disneyland Vacationland.

Kevin Kidney said...

Oh, I LOVED America Sings. It killed me when they took it out. I videotaped the last day....five times.

Anonymous said...

I bought the "America Sings" CD from the Disneyland kiosk. Unfortunately, when I got home I discovered they had given me the "It's a Small World" disc, by mistake -- ouch! Luckily, I was able to find a copy of the stereo, "non-racist" version.

I recently did a presentation on "America Sings" for the local chapter of the NFFC (a club for Disney enthusiasts). You can see my title card and some other interesting links here:
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/2011180

And I also sorely miss this wonderful attraction. I've never forgiven them for removing it!

Anonymous said...

I have the Sam The Eagle Animators Model which on the plaque says official press preview summer 1974 and it came with the 33 and a third album soundtrack which says special preview album and I also have the ticket, its the best press gift I have ever received in all my years going to Disneyland events, Barry

Anonymous said...

Ever wonder what happened to the animal props of America Sings, after the attraction was closed? If you go to to Splash Mountain,examine the animal characters closely, singing "zippity-do-da",and you'll start recocognizing them!