James Kevin Gray’s song about South Carolina, “While I Breathe, I Hope,” became the new state choral anthem in May 2026.

South Carolina's new choral anthem, "While I Breathe, I Hope," puts the state's nearly 250-year-old motto to music.

Songwriter Patrick Davis put on a short concert for members of the South Carolina General Assembly on March 24. Via a live internet stream, he performed his composition “Carolina When I Die,” which is ...

South Carolina has two official state songs. And state lawmakers are looking to add a third. Lawmakers in both chambers have proposed naming “Carolina When I Die” an official state song. A bill in the ...