Category: Music History
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When we think of iconic American music, one piece that often comes to mind is Scott Joplin’s Maple Leaf Rag. This ragtime composition, written in 1899, has become one of the most recognized and influential works in the genre. But what’s the story behind this timeless tune? Let’s take a deeper dive into its creation,…
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Gospel music holds a profound place in Black history, serving as a soundtrack for resilience, faith, and the fight for justice. Rooted in African spirituals, hymns, and work songs, gospel music has not only shaped the African American experience but has also influenced broader musical traditions across the world. Origins: A Sound of Hope The…
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Scott Joplin, often called the “King of Ragtime,” was a musical pioneer whose influence paved the way for the development of jazz. His innovative compositions and dedication to his craft helped shape American music at the turn of the 20th century. But who was Scott Joplin, and how did his music leave such a lasting…
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Love has always been one of the most profound human emotions, and throughout history, musicians have captured its essence in song. Love songs transcend time, culture, and language, serving as a universal way to express the joys and sorrows of romance. From ancient ballads to modern pop anthems, let’s take a journey through the history…
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In the months of November and December, music releases are typically left to Christmas and Holiday releases. But today, November 15th, has been a day I’ve been looking forward to. Jon Batiste’s release of “Beethoven Blues”, where he has taken Beethoven’s works and added jazz, blues and his own creativity to it. I’ve written about…
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Born on May 22nd, 1813, Richard Wagner was a very controversial composer when he was alive, and even after his passing. Find out more in today’s video!
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Happy Cinco de Mayo! May the 5th is the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, where the Mexican army defeated the French in 1862. It is probably celebrated more here in the United States than in Mexico, but it got me thinking about the question I posed in the title of this post. What is…
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Last week, I wrote about the Beatles documentary “Get Back”. I wrote about how they needed help and got it from Billy Preston. This week, I’m going to talk about teamwork. The Beatles were known as the “Fab Four”. It wasn’t John or Paul or George or Ringo. It was John and Paul and George…
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George Friedrich Handel wrote two pieces that are sung so often this season and are beloved, but….weren’t intended as Christmas music. The first one is the hymn “Joy to the World”. Handel didn’t write the words, the great hymnwriter Isaac Watts did. But the hymn doesn’t mention the birth of Jesus specifically, Christmas, or any…