Aaron Copland Biography

Fanfare for the Common Man is a piece of work done by composer Aaron Copland. Written in 1942 for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Fanfare for the Common Man continues to be played today. It was written at the request of conductor Eugene Goossens, who used it in the 1942-1943 season - along with the work of other composers - to frame other, longer orchestral works.

Goossens was pleasantly surprised by Copland’s choice of title and, fittingly enough, he first used it on March 12, 1943 - right near income tax time.

The Fanfare has since been used, covered and slightly altered several times, notably by the Rolling Stones when they used a part of the song when opening their 1976 concert tour. Bob Dylan has also been known to open his shows with the Fanfare playing. It has also been used quite extensively in television shows, often alongside sports events.