History of Auld Lang Syne in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 24, 2025

"Auld Lang Syne" is a Scottish song traditionally sung in English-speaking countries at midnight on New Year's Eve to bid farewell to the old year. It's also common at funerals, graduations, farewells, and endings of various events. It's used by organizations like Scouting to close large gatherings.

1910: First Commercial Recording

In 1910, Frank C Stanley made the first commercial recording of Auld Lang Syne.

1924: Sousa Marches On

In 1924, John Philip Sousa quoted the melody of "Auld Lang Syne" in the Trio section of his march "Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company".

1972: Auld Lang Syne as National Anthem

Until 1972, the tune of Auld Lang Syne was used as the national anthem of the Maldives.

1976: Tomlinson Composes Fantasia

In 1976, English composer Ernest Tomlinson wrote a Fantasia on "Auld Lang Syne" weaving in 152 quotations from other popular and classical composers.

1999: Cliff Richard Releases Millennium Prayer

In 1999, Cliff Richard released a setting of the Lord's Prayer, known as "The Millennium Prayer", to the melody of Auld Lang Syne.

1999: Kenny G Charts with Instrumental Rendition

In late 1999, Kenny G's instrumental rendition of "Auld Lang Syne" reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the oldest-written song to make the charts at that time.

2000: Queen Elizabeth II Follows Scottish Tradition

In 2000, at the Millennium Dome celebrations, Queen Elizabeth II demonstrated the Scottish practice of not crossing hands at the beginning of "Auld Lang Syne", leading to some press criticism due to unfamiliarity with the tradition.