A staple of both spiritual and secular singers alike, Amazing Grace is one of the world’s most popular songs. John Newton, its writer, lived a life full of sin and redemption, which inspired the song’s lyrics. According to Newton’s biography, the words of Amazing Grace show the song was very personal in nature.
Continue reading →The joy of music comes in many ways, including playing the piano! There are lots of reasons to play the piano, but one of the most basic is simply that piano playing is fun! As Leonard Bernstein called it — … Continue reading →
“Mine eyes have seen the glory” is one of the most powerful and recognized opening lines in the history of American song. The Battle Hymn of the Republic is the quintessential fight song of the United States, as well as its call-to-arms.
Continue reading →In 1940, Woody Guthrie sat down and wrote his personal response to the song ‘God Bless America.’ He felt a different story of America needed telling. This story would celebrate the beauty of the American expanse. At the same time, it would also celebrate the average working citizen who labored across the land. The result of his creativity was ‘This Land is Your Land,’ a song that is still taught in school music classes.
Continue reading →George M. Cohan’s encounter with a Civil War veteran inspired a song that became a Broadway hit. Later it became a household name — “You’re a Grand Old Flag”.
Continue reading →What in the world is “naked music?” You know it when you hear it, but the words that describe it sound strange, don’t they? We’ve all heard of popular music and rock music and gospel music and jazz music, but … Continue reading →
What is it about The Yankee Doodle Boy, that puts a smile on one’s face and sets toes a-tapping’? It’s the verve and variety inherent in a great tunesmith’s song that gets pianos playing and people singing. Written by George … Continue reading →
Virtually everyone in America as well as many others around the world know “The Star-Spangled Banner”, but few know that it was written by a captive on a British warship. On September 13, 1814, as British warships pounded away at … Continue reading →
“When Johnny Comes Marching Home” is a song from the Civil War era that expresses the yearning by loved ones for their solders — their sons and husbands — to come marching home safely. It has endured now for over 150 years, and shows no signs of disappearing any time soon.
Continue reading →Have you ever heard of Mike Bereal? I hadn’t, but a friend sent me this to watch. This guy is good! Go to the page by clicking on the link below — it’s a sales page for his course, but … Continue reading →
