Plato, the Greek philosopher and mathematician, described music and astronomy as “sister sciences” that both encompass harmonious motions, whether of instrument strings or celestial objects. This philosophy of a “MusicContinue readingMusic of the Spheres: Star Songs

At the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of American History they’re the girls in the band, instrumentalists in the 18-piece Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra (SJMO) founded in 1990 “as the nation’s jazz orchestra”Continue readingThe girls in the band at the Smithsonian

If you were choreographing a dance about the ocean, how would you do it? Would you dart around like a lobster in a hurry? Dive like a dolphin? Float likeContinue readingDancing for the Ocean

Mary Lou Williams was a jazz artist who articulated the history, culture, and heritage of a people and a nation through the music she composed and performed. An All About Jazz articleContinue readingMary Lou Williams: Musical and social change agent

Women in music have always struggled with recognition for their talent but during the mid-1900’s jazz music was a hardly receptive place for a female instrumentalist to make her mark.Continue readingSweethearts of rhythm

On this day in 1935, Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi. Many stories about the King of Rock and Roll have taken on monumental and mythical status. Most everyoneContinue readingElvis Presley, Born 74 Years Ago Today

Author’s Note: This blog has its origin in my interest – maybe, obsession – with songs. It seems there is usually some song in my head at nearly any time.  When I hear certainContinue readingToday’s Song: “Misty”

Sam Cooke started performing in 1937 in Chicago with his siblings as the “Singing Children.” He was six years old. At age 14 he became lead singer with the “HighwayContinue readingToday’s Song: “A Change is Gonna Come”

Author’s Note: This blog has its origin in my interest – maybe, obsession – with songs. It seems there is usually some song in my head at nearly any time.  When I hear certainContinue readingToday’s Song: “Till Then”