Oh My Darling Clementine

Despite the words, this song was not a gold rush song. It didn't appear in print until 1863 -- 14 years after the California Gold rush. I also expect this song is probably one of the most popular and well-known of the songs in the 19th century book I am going through. I remember a … Continue reading Oh My Darling Clementine →

Oh, Dem Golden Slippers!

James Bland was known for the religious tenor of his songs, which is quite evident in this song, with its images of golden streets, wedding day, camp meeting and a chariot. I wouldn't say that all the images make clear sense to me -- probably shows what I don't understand of the dress standards of … Continue reading Oh, Dem Golden Slippers! →

Scorecard — Encouraging the church to sing

I read this blog yesterday when it came out, and thought it was good enough to share, but I didn't want to just reblog it. So instead, follow the link above, and then follow my comments below on the 13 steps. One of the reasons I enjoy attending Avondale United Methodist Church is because it … Continue reading Scorecard — Encouraging the church to sing →

My Old Kentucky Home, Good-Night!

(Note: next installment of songs from 19th century America) This song, the official state song of Kentucky, I always thought as one of the most popular songs by Stephen Foster. However, I am the only person in my household who was familiar with the song. I knew it even before going to the Stephen Foster … Continue reading My Old Kentucky Home, Good-Night! →

Musical trends

We have listened to a lot of Christmas music over the past couple of months. I have performed a lot of it it too. In that time certain elements have become obvious to the current performance of Christmas music. For one thing, in many places the performance of the traditional carols are fading away. The … Continue reading Musical trends →

Here we come a caroling

For Christmas, I choose to put together another sound bite compilation, this time of some seasonal sounds to soothe and encourage. Let me start with this French Provincial carol, a song of announcement and declaration: Masters in this Hall: This next piece is Deck The Halls, as done by the AUMC Mid-High chime choir. Follow … Continue reading Here we come a caroling →

Marching Through Georgia

Of the many events during the Civil War that are still remembered with animosity by some still today, Sherman's March to the Sea is perhaps among the top items on that list. Today's song is a Northern song commemorating that march, with nostalgia. After the North had finally taken Atlanta from the Confederacy (as immortalized … Continue reading Marching Through Georgia →

Little Brown Jug

Today I return to my series on "Popular Songs of Nineteenth-Century America" with a fun little song on how addiction to alcohol makes you lose everything you love. Billed as "One of the most popular comic songs in existence" on the sheet music selling it, the song isn't intended to promote drunkenness, though it probably … Continue reading Little Brown Jug →

Winter Concert Series Part 8

This is going to be a video blog of the North Kansas City High School Winter (Choir) Concert Today: The final installment: Combined Choirs Carol of the Bells Oh Holy Night Peace, Peace

Winter Concert Series Part 7

This is going to be a video blog of the North Kansas City High School Winter (Choir) Concert Today, three videos of the Harmonaires I'll Be Home for Christmas I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm Fruitcake Tomorrow: Combined Choirs