history

Iconic moments in music history.

An American Reverie: Merle Haggard
Merle Haggard or as I still prefer to address him, “The Hag” is an artist that now unfortunately gone has imbued my life with a deeper connection to and reconciliation with life. Merle's many songs of longing, running, loving, and drinking ballads calls out as if every song struck into the core of America. Perhaps it’s because of his ability to not only penetrate the heart of being in his music and grasp the wide variety of thoughts, emotions, and actions everyone is likely to encounter throughout life. He paints a window and then with a guiding hand reaches out and pulls you into the expression of his music. In my opinion if you compiled all of The Hag’s music you would get a full picture of the depth and breadth of human existence. Perhaps the song of choice being, (I'm Gonna Paint Me) A Bed of Roses illuminates just how far out he can stretch beyond a country musician and into the depths of human being.
By Schmalz3 years ago in Beat
The Extreme Violence Of Folk Music and Murder Ballads
Introduction I am currently listening to “Sweet Child” by Pentangle, a live album I had for sale on Discogs but have now withdrawn as it is so good. I am sure that they have some violence somewhere in their music but here are a few of my favourites.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 3 years ago in Beat
Four of the Best of Etta James
American singer Jamesetta Hawkins also known as Etta James, was born on January 25, 1938 and died on January 20, 2012. She gained fame with hits such as "Something's Got a Hold on Me”, “All I could do was Cry", "At Last", and "I'd Rather Go Blind”
By Gerald Holmes3 years ago in Beat
Clare Torry and the Great Gig. Top Story - August 2022.
I have always been fascinated with the stories behind those moments in the arts when one person, event, change, movement or accident created something very new and exciting; something that no one else could have done. This is the story of one woman who does not have the level of fame that is equal with her role in popular music history. There might be some fanatics out there who do know her and even love her, but I have had too many responses over the years when I mention this story gape and feel as though they are learning something new and exciting. I hope that this adds to the story of one of my favourite groups and that you also feel as though you have discovered something new.
By Kendall Defoe 3 years ago in Beat
Why Chicago is the best music hub in America
Chicago is a diamond in the rough. Settled in the heart of the midwest, Illinois is not as flashy as New York or as dreamy as California. As such, it is often overlooked as a prime destination for the big dreamers–the actors, the writers, the musicians. But nobody offers such a diverse, growing community like Chicago.
By Breanna Ludeman3 years ago in Beat
'If You're Happy And You Know It...' Where Did This Song Come From?. Top Story - August 2022.
Watching the Chicago Cubs on TV recently, a visit to the pitcher's mound by the opposing team’s coach brought the opportunity for a little ballpark filler. Visits to the mound are often given musical accompaniment with a host of public domain standards offering a wide array of choices for ballpark organists.
By Sean Patrick3 years ago in Beat
It's still falling down...
Thank you for the track All Falls Down. A long time ago, when life was simpler, this was simply a song with a funky beat and great lyrics that had a great vibe to it. Those were my adolescent days with my juvenile problems that felt like true cataclysmic catastrophes. Those would pale in comparison to the things that stress me today. This song speaks volumes about the trials and tribulations one will encounter on the road to glory. I’m sure we all know how the song goes, but take into consideration the separate phases the song goes through in just a matter of minutes. Now I’m writing solely based on my own experiences and interpretations of the song. I’ve second-guessed both of my degrees from the moment I got them because it’s so hard to find passion in a field with little to no grey area. “That major that she majored in don’t make no money.” Story of my life. Because the money to be made entails becoming a person I’m not equipped to be. Selling yourself for a dollar is the theme. I thought I could find security in a field that wouldn’t deviate so far from the rules and that hasn’t been the case. The song itself reminds me that things will continue to go wrong as long as you keep focusing on all the wrongs around you. It takes a strong mind to be able to see the positives around you whenever everything seems darkest. The song will transcend time and generations because the problems depicted in the song have continued to plague our society. Many will criticize a person that decides to overlook their shortcomings for the pursuit of happiness. But those same people will also advise you to do what makes you happy. The contradiction lies in the fact that advice can only seem sound when that person is happy with their situation. The struggles we encounter will always be in abundance. It helps define us because the person that rises from being knocked down is never the same person that went down. You rise a little tougher, a little wiser, a lot more determined.
By The Omnipotent Deity3 years ago in Beat
Musical Instrument Museums
Musical instrument museums are institutions that collect and care for musical instruments. The Musical Instrument Museum in Brussels is one of the most important musical instrument museums in the world. It has a collection of over 8,000 instruments from all over the world.
By Ted's List3 years ago in Beat
The emotional Moonlight Sonata
Today I’m going to write a line or two on the most famous piece in piano literature or even in classical music literature, the breathtaking Moonlight sonata by Ludwig van Beethoven. Many people love to hear this wonderful piece of music, others love to play it and get in touch with their own feelings while performing it. I think it’s time to find out how and why the composer decided to write such an intriguing piece of music. If this sound interesting to you, please keep on reading.
By Giovanni Profeta3 years ago in Beat
From Child Star to Pretty Reckless Rockstar: The Story of Taylor Momsen
Before she was the lead singer rocker Taylor Momsen of The Pretty Reckless, she was known as the pretty adorable little girl in films like the Grinch and Spy Kids 2. During her teen years and young adult life, she has appeared in films and tv shows and in ‘07 she would be cast in teen drama Gossip Girl until she 2012 she announced she is retiring from acting and focusing on her music in her band “The Pretty Reckless”. The band has been signed to Interscope Records and has made successful rock albums making her and her rock-band the most successful hard rock band.
By Gladys W. Muturi3 years ago in Beat
Jamaican Reggae and Dancehall Music
Recently, a woman from overseas made a video that has gone viral speaking on the changes in Jamaican reggae and dancehall music which in her opinion have lost their real intentions since the music has gotten more derogatory and is showing the Jamaican artistes and people in a different light. Yes, the music has changed due to the new generation of reggae and dancehall artistes who are slowly shoving the veterans of the genre out. I will not deny that some derogatory lyrics have always been in the music then, but it was not overly prominent, and only implied in a form where it was able to play on the radio without causing a stir.
By Jennifer Morris3 years ago in Beat
True Story Behind the Song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”. Top Story - July 2022.
Historic stories wrap around my experience with the song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” In 1994, I was the manager of the first American musician to be invited to tour the new post-apartheid South Africa.
By Arlo Hennings4 years ago in Beat