15 SONGS OF AMERICA THAT CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE DAY

Some of the conditions that lead to America becoming a country are complicated and difficult to reflect upon today. But that does not mean we should not celebrate this great country and all that it stands for. Music has played a great part in expressing throughout America's history it's ideas and values. There are songs about freedom and patriotism but also involving criticism and protest. All of this is what truly makes America great.

Jim Farber of Parade Magazine has selected 15 pop songs that best express the the themes of the American experience proudly through music and revealing the inspiration behind the creation of each tune.

Click below to read the article:

The Songs of America: Celebrate Independence Day With These 15 Tracks

And here are a few of my personal favorites from this list:

RANDOM SIGHTS + SOUNDS

John Prine, the Grammy Award-winning, Americana singer/songwriter sadly lost his battle against COVID-19 and passed away from complications on April 7th at the age of seventy-three. He was certainly a brave fighter, having previously battled against throat and lung cancer while also having heart issues. Prine received the Recording Academy's Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's Grammys after years of writing wonderful songs filled with humor and thoughtful insights on the human condition. I have to admit I had never heard any of Prine's recordings but I am familiar with his songs. Two of my favorites are Bonnie Raitt's 1974 cover of his "Angel From Montgomery", a song about a married, middle-aged woman looking for an "angel" to help her escape from a life of desolation. The other is "Hello In There", a heartbreaking tune about aging that Bette Midler recorded for her debut album back in 1972.





Here are a few unexpected pairings that provide some wild musical duets I found as I traveled down a YouTube rabbit hole that I would like to share:









And finally here is Finneas, the recent winner of the Grammy Award for Producer of The Year (for his work on his sister, Billie Eilish's album) who is showing off his skills as a performer. The single, "Let's Fall In Love For The Night", from his debut EP, "Blood Harmony" which was released last year, now has a music video that was recently released. This fun and whimsical clip perfectly enhances the song, giving off a vibe that makes it feel like it would fit right in place with the movie, "La La Land":

THE 150 GREATEST SCHLOCK SONGS EVER

Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" is used as the perfect example of a schlock song. On intial release, this rock tune was popular but critically derided. But now, after some time has past, this song is now universally embraced as a classic. What changed? Good question.

New York Magazine looks to explain when bad taste becomes great art and ranks these songs from throughout pop music history. I personally find some of these selections questionable but as with all art, schlock is in the ear of the beholder.

Click below to read the article and see the entire list of songs:

From Journey to Beyoncé: The 150 Greatest Schlock Songs Ever

I have included a few of my personal favorites from the list and where they ranked:

13. "I Will Always Love You" - Dolly Parton (1974)

29. "If You Leave Me Now' - Chicago (1976)

31. "It's A Man's, Man's Man's World" - James Brown (1966)

49. "Empire State of Mind" - Jay Z featuring Alicia Keys (2009)

71. "More Than Words" - Extreme (1990)

114. "Kiss of Life" - Sade (1992)

MY TUNE OF THE DAY

Who doesn't love James Brown?

"The Godfather of Soul" went from an impoverished childhood in Georgia to a convicted felon but was able to turm his life around to ultimately become one of the most innovative, influential and respected musical artists in history. No one has ever come close to matching his style, energy or charisma and many of today's contemporary musicians owe a great deal to this legendary icon.

"The Payback" is a little over seven minutes of pure funk. Brown rifts about seeking vengeance on a man who cheated him and stole his woman so, you know The Godfather will get his revenge. The most amazing thing about this track is how Brown's howls throughout don't sound capable of coming from a human being.

There is no way you can keep still listening to this tune:

"The Payback" - James Brown (1974)

James Brown was best known for his amazing stage show and here he is in his prime from the 1964 concert film, "The T.A.M.I Show" that featured many of the top acts of the day. Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones famously stated that was one of the worst mistakes of their career was following Brown after this performance:

BLACK MUSIC MONTH

June is Black Music Month.

It began on June 7, 1979, when President Carter announced that this month was designated to celebrate and honor this important American music.

So, here is just a very small selection of some of the great influencial pioneers in Black Music:

"Them There Eyes" - Billie Holiday (1935)

"Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby?" - Dinah Washington (1958)

"Try Me" - James Brown (1959)

"A Fool In Love" - Ike & Tina Turner (1960)

"A Change Is Gonna Come" - Sam Cooke (1964)

"I'm So Proud" - The Impressions (1964)

"Since I Lost My Baby" - The Temptations (1965)

"This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You)" - The Isley Brothers (1966)

"Oh Happy Day" - Edwin Hawkins Singers (1969)

"Respect Yourself" - The Staple Singers (1971)

"I'm Still In Love With You" - Al Green (1972)

"Love Train" - The O'Jays (1973)

"Can't Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe" - Barry White (1974)

"Wake Up Everybody" - Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes (1975)