Haleigh’s Musical Journey 2023

 Music WIth My Grandmother      I spoke with my grandmother for this blog. She is 87 years old and has been listening to Elvis Presley and Ray Charles as she did when she was younger. She's always loved music, but she was really into it back then. Her favorite singer was Elvis Presley. "Why did you adore Elvis so much?" I questioned. “The women adored the way he moved his hips”, she said. https://youtu.be/FHhhkRvBmrM      Although she repeated the same story to me a few times, my grandmother, who is in the early stages of dementia, never failed to mention Elvis and how endearing he was both on and off the stage. She enjoys listening to Elvis Presley's gospel music these days. Don't get me wrong, when Elvis was younger, she liked the joy and excitement he brought to the stage, but as she's gotten older, she's grown to love his gospel music. Elvis Gospel Song- How Great Thou Art https://youtu.be/9tg-dcj9w4k      My grandmother explained to...

    Rock & roll had everything that the 1950s suburbia needed. While their parents were listening to big bands, Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, and other artists of the era, the younger generation was dancing to a new beat. To the shock of the older generation, their kids were actually twisting, thrusting, banging, and grinding to rock and roll music.  Black American Blues and Gospel were the origins of rock and roll. The strains of rhythm and Blues drew suburban youths as the Great Migration brought many Black Americans to the northern cities. Yet, none of the top performers in the genre were able to receive significant airtime because of segregation and racial beliefs.      America was shocked by rock & roll. A group of young adolescents protested against the music their parents listened to. Older people generally detested rock and roll. Churches declared the movement to be Satan's music after being horrified by the new dance movements it inspired...

 Women’s Role in Country Music           The Carter Family was the first group of female country singers.  Country music, despite being the genre that popularized the tropes of "Mama" and "Little Darlin," has never exactly given women the credit they deserve. Even now, 93 years after the storied Bristol Sessions, which established country music as a commercial art form, there is still a fight for equal radio time for women and the right to be appreciated, heard, and treated seriously as they compete for positions in this fiercely competitive sector.       The fact that no women were chosen to the Country Music Hall of Fame from its founding in 1961 until 1970, when the Carter Family was belatedly accepted, is indicative of exactly how excluded and neglected women have been.  https://youtu.be/ZbmQQ4RfzVE      A female having a chance in country music, much less on the radio, was extremely rare. Women still on...

     Songs and dances are utilized in ceremonies to honor the passing of loved ones, the changing of the seasons, and the curing of illnesses. There are some religious songs that are appropriate for everyone to hear and others that are just for the ears of a specific group. Religious music serves the function of enhancing the meaning and impact of the words and lyrics being sung. Church music has a strong emotional component since it frequently encourages worshipers to express their emotions. The goal of church music is to raise the spirit and promote a feeling of closeness to God. It makes it easier for practically all religious communities to worship. Over the years, many hymns have been written to be sung in thanksgiving or as a form of prayer. Similar to rituals, songs are sung as a form of thanksgiving for any given circumstance. It is a means of expressing whatever is happening, whether it is a celebration of life, God's worship, or your religion. https://www.loc.go...

    For all of my life, music has been a part of me. Since I was a little girl, I have enjoyed music; I began singing in church at the age of five, began studying the violin at the age of ten, and sang karaoke anywhere I could find a place to do so. My entire life has been dedicated to my passion of music, and I do not know what I would do without it.      I'm a major admirer of country music. I adore classic country songs. Since I was a little child, I have had an obsession with George Strait. My preferred genre of music would have to be country. Country music and the events in my life seem to have a connection for me. Alan Jackson, in addition to George Strait, is among my all-time favorite vocalists. Just so captivating is his voice. I Want To Stroll Over Heaven With You is one of his gospel songs from the album Precious Memories, and it's one of my favorites. Alan Jackson: I Want To Stroll Over Heaven With You   The song Made A Home by Cody Johnson has ...