My Michigan Explained

Prefix:	Regional
Country:	Michigan
My Michigan
Composer:	H. O'Reilly Clint
Author:	Giles Kavanagh
Lyrics Date:	1933
Music Date:	1933

"My Michigan" is an official song of the state of Michigan.

History

It was written by Giles Kavanagh (lyrics) and H. O'Reilly Clint (music) in 1933. It was published by Clint's own music publishing company at Detroit. It was formally adopted as an official state song by the Michigan Legislature in 1937 by Concurrent Resolution 17.^[1]

Despite being an official state anthem, the song is rarely performed and has never been used on formal state occasions. The state government did not purchase and/or the authors would not sell the copyright. The song's copyright will expire at the end of 2028, the 95th year after its publication, per the Copyright Term Extension Act.^[2]

There are two versions of the sheet music; one is held at the Rare Book Room at the Library of Michigan and the other is housed at the Bentley Historical Museum.^[3]

References

Citations

Book: Fuller . George N. . Michigan: A Centennial History of the State and Its People . 5 . Michigan Biography . Chicago . Lewis Publishing . 1939 . 47–49 . Giles Kavanagh.
Book: Journal of the House of Representatives of the State of Michigan . 1937 . Regular Session . 1 . Lansing, MI . Franklin DeKleine Company.
M. R. . 447 . Presentation of the Portrait of the Honorable John W, Fitzgerald . November 10, 1994 . 5. (reference to "My Michigan" song)
Book: McNamara . Daniel I. . The ASCAP Biographical Dictionary of Composers, Authors, and Publishers . registration . New York . Thomas Y. Crowell Company . 1952 . 88–89 . H. O'Reilly Clint.

Notes and References

Web site: History of the Adoption of "My Michigan" as an Official Song of the State of Michigan . State of Michigan. January 5, 2012.
Renewal is listed in Catalog of Copyright Entries, 1960 (Part 5, No. 1), p. 598.
Web site: Michigan State Songs: Michigan's Mystery State Song!. Michigan Dept of Natural Resources. January 5, 2012.