Music To Be Thankful For!
Wednesday, November 26th, 2008
We asked reporters, on- and off-air talent from around PBS and Thirteen this question: “What music are you thankful for?”…and they answered.
So what music are YOU thankful for? Please share what artist, song, or album means a lot to you, below, in our comments.
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Gwen Ifill, NewsHour and Washington Week
“When I think of music that makes me feel thankful, I think of Walter Hawkins and the Love Center Choir’s’ “Love Alive II.” It was released in 1978, and I remember singing many of the songs on the album when I was a member of my church’s gospel choir. Hearing any one of the songs now brings a rush of memory and, yes, thankfulness.”
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“I’m thankful for the tremendous variety of genres, styles and performers that we are lucky enough to feature in our series. As a former musician, however, I am thankful that the world has gotten smaller, enabling different cultures to influence each other to create music that is new. I discovered this first in a 1974 recording called “Native Dancer” (listen) by jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter in a collaboration with Brazilian singer/songwriter Milton Nascimento. It remains a favorite over 30 years later.”
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“I love a fairy polka after a big helping of Pumpkin Pie, but I am truly thankful for Ms. Ella Fitzgerald (listen)! My Fairy Grandmother introduced me to her, and she is sparkalicious!”
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Susie Gharib, Nightly Business Report
“I am thankful for the Beatles. The stock market is collapsing and the economy is in turmoil, but when I listen to “Here Comes the Sun”, I smile…as George Harrison sings “Here comes the sun, here comes the sun, and I say it’s all right”, I really feel everything will be all right.”
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“This time of year I love listening to classical holiday music such as Handel’s Messiah and Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker. I also enjoy choruses and organ composition around the holidays, as well as Vivaldi, Mozart and Bach. When New Year’s approaches I’m drawn to Strauss’s celebratory waltzes.”
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Rick Karr, Blueprint America
“I’m thankful for the undeservedly obscure Cleveland band Pere Ubu (listen), a one-band desert-island disc: pop, rock, noise, and compelling stories. They’ve persevered: 30 years, 13 studio albums, seminal singles. They blazed a trail and kept going after the rest of the world turned right, onto the Interstate. I’m thankful because they give me something great, time and again.
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Tom Stewart, ‘The Voice of Thirteen’ (13’s Announcer)
“My wife, Maureen Kelley Stewart, is a cabaret singer and performs a song called “Grateful” (listen) by the contemporary composer John Bucchino (he wrote the recent Broadway musical “A Catered Affair”). As you might imagine, it’s a song about gratitude, and is a great reminder of all we can be thankful for, even in times of adversity. ‘Giving thanks for what I’ve got makes me so much happier than keeping score…I can’t stay depressed when I remember how I’m blessed…grateful, grateful, truly blessed and duly grateful’.”
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“Joe Jackson’s “Look Sharp!” (listen) This is the first album I bought after moving to New York City to go to NYU back in ’79. Every day back then was a wonder, a dream come true. I went to the movies almost every afternoon; would often run into poets Allen Ginsberg and Ted Berrigan at the St. Mark’s Bookstore; saw Mick Jagger at the St. Mark’s Bar & Grill, and within a week spotted both Dustin Hoffman and Octavio Paz on Bleecker Street. So whenever this old world starts getting me down I don’t have to go to no roof top. I just remember to “look sharp” and “to see the pretty, pretty, pretty girls in the streets, see them walking with their pretty shoes on their feet, damn dooby doo doo wop a doo doo wop a doo doo wop, damn dooby doo doo wop a doo doo wop a doo doo wop!” That’s a vibe to be thankful for!
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Over the last decade, I’ve become a huge Neil Young fan. Here’s an artist who has been putting out classic albums since the 60s (as part of Buffalo Springfield, CSN&Y, Crazy Horse or as a solo artist). But he still puts out well received, popular and hugely influential albums even today - almost 40 years later.
If there’s one musician whose work i return to over and over, it’s probably Jorge Ben: I go to his 1960s sweet samba recordings for when i just need some mellow background music; his harder-edged mid-70s brasilian funk for the best default party music. And his albums have nary a dud track on them; a rarity.
From his hard rocking Dire Straits years to his mellower solo albums, the voice and guitar skills of Mark Knopfler is something I will always be thankful for
Since the age of 4 when I first watched them perform on THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW, The Beatles instilled in me a passion for music, which made me want to start studying piano at age 5 until I was 18. I still play, compose and perform to this day and I still LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the incredible BEATLES. I would also have to add Elton John - he became one of my top music idols after The Beatles broke up in 1970. I’ve seen Elton 14 times in concert and he still amazes me as a singer/songwriter, performer, pianist, and one of the hardest working people in entertainment to this day.
A great Thanksgiving song would be the fabulous Ana Netrebko singing “Meine lippen sie küssen so heiss” (my lips kiss with such fire) Enjoy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_kaOYC_Fww&feature=related
Billy Joel is one of my all time favorites.
i love the oldies shows and especially the soul and r&b shows….my favorite group is BLUE MAGIC….keep doing the classic soul shows…..
Scott Joplin’s rags! You just can’t help feeling happy when listening to syncopated music.
james galway-danny boy
ronan tynan-amazing grace
Stefan Grapelli….if i can rock like that when i’m old, i’ll be a happy lady!
Hi, I am grateful for the GRATEFUL DEAD! For the past 35 years they have given me the pleasure of meeting and being in contact with a community that is caring, giving, and thankful for so many things including the music. Although they are not complete without Jerry Garcia, who passed away in 1995, they still tour together and with their own offspring bands, Phil Lesh & Friends, Ratdog and Mickey Hart Global Drum Project. I listen to them everyday and will always be grateful for their input in our crazy world and grateful to PBS for showing their concets during pledge drives!
Peace to you and yours…
the police/sting, andrea bocelli, loreena mckennitt, beethoven, bach, christmas carols
I’ve discovered Tony Bennett, and I can’t stop listening, from his early work to todays recordings the quality is astounding, and timely. What a voice!
Todd Rundgren’s “Something/Anything” is a well produced and resplendent pop opus.
El Divo !!!
I love Bobby Short… Maureen McGovern, _____ Feinstein who catalogues the Gershwins….. any big band sound from the forties and earlier Thanks for all of them!
On Saturday, November 22, 2008 I saw Chris Squire, Steve Howe & Alan White of Yes at the Capital One Theater in Westbruy, New York. They added a terrific new vocalist from Montreal & a new keyboardist. They sounded great and received standing ovations for most fo the 2 1/2 hour show. I’ve seen them over the years in various rosters at various venues from Roosevelt Stadiumin Jerse City (former minor leage baseball stadium) to Madison Square Garden. It’s nice to rock and rollers who look their age and still crank out fantastic music.
I am forever grateful to Ani DiFranco for her wise, inspiring, insightful, psychic lyrics and unbelievable music prowess. Also nods to Sinead O’Connor, Talking Heads and the Beatles. Rossini and Mozart are two favorites, too - as they were to my father, who passed last year. I’m just thankful for music in general. It’s amazing to me how a few notes, a catchy rhythm and some poetic words can comletely transform an individual. Music is power.
I am thankful for anything by Jill Scott, Erykah Badu or Musiq Soulchild
Muddy Waters was the Daddy of everything Rock and Roll. His music tears me up and makes me feel whole!
Hi
Over the past 3 decades Peter Gabriel has produced inteligent cutting edge recordings that have recieved raves from not only his fans but he has especially recieved the respect from fellow musicians. He is also a great humanitarian and has been at the forefront for “Amnesty International” and other great causes. His concerts not only sound great but they have a huge theatrical side to them. He would probably totally support public television.To get him would be a total win/win for public television and for music fans. Thanks for reading !!
Chicago, a hit for over thirty years, even when they were CTA.
I love all music by Ray Charles, but his GENIUS LOVES COMPANY CD is by far his best! Listening to his duets with so many of my other favored musical artists, such as Natalie Cole, Norah Jones, Elton John, Diana Krall, James Taylor, B.B. King and others, makes for delicious listening and pure pleasure. With an apt title, it’s musical genius I’ll never tire of and I’m thankful for all of the joy it brings — especially while I’m exercising! RC will always play on in my heart.
The Beatles, Paul McCartney, the Moody Blues and the Raspberries!
I’m thankful for all of the Allman Bros’ music, specifically “Jessica” and “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed”. I also love Neil Young and Bryan Ferry and the late Warren Zevon….great musicians all!
Beatles: Abbey Road. Amazing, considering how fractured the band was at that point. Jim Croce: I Got A Name. A shame, considering the potential he had; the man was an amazing musician. Carole King: Tapestry. ‘Nuff said. Fountains of Wayne: Welcome Interstate Managers. Cleverness will out. George Harrison: Cloud 9. Finally enjoying himself. AJ Croce: That’s Me In The Bar. Jim’s son makes terrific piano music with a raspy, whiskey-soaked voice. Susan Werner: The Gospel Truth. Gospel music for agnostics, with “Probably Not” worth the price of admission all by itself. And Phoebe Snow: Any album you like. She’s amazing.
Jimi Hendrix, Electric Ladyland, It’s got just about every style of music a person could want…It’s Rock, Soul, R & B, Progressive, Blues…Jimi was pure genius, and this Album, shows that genius
Bob Dylan is the best. thanks to PBS for bringing him to us one more time with their PBS Master Series.
The best ever was, and still is, Judy Garland–pick anything from Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas to Rock a Bye Your Baby, & Over the Rainbow goes without saying. Close runner up: Edith Piaf, some faves of hers Padam, Milord, Je Non Pas Regrette Rien & of course La Vie en Rose.
The Pousette-Dart Band (now Pousette-Dart), Paul McCartney, James Taylor, Jesse Winchester, Bonnie Raitt, the Beatles, Joan Armatrading
Thankful for Opera and classical music for all yhe
children in our listening audience I am thankful
for all the songs on Sesame Street which help my
kid brother learn the entire alphabet, while I WENT
to my first semester of College,Now he’s a Vice-pricipal at a Middle School in Brooklyn.
Based on all around talent I would have to pick Dan Fogelburg as the go to guy when I want to listen to great song writing,arranging,musicianship and singing.And I’m a HUGH Beatle fan.His Netherlands album is a must for any mood.I’m sorry we lost such a great talent at such a young age.
Paul Simon and Neil Young.
Male Paul Simon,Gershwin Brothers, Mozart, Robert Plant, Rod Stewart, David Bowie, Michael Jackson, Hendrix, Van Morrison, Elvis and Frank Sinatra. Female Grace Slick, Pink, Debra Harry, Alisha Keyes, Madonna, Dinah Ross, Byonce, Janice Joplin, Annie Lenox, Barbara Streisand,Janet Jackson, Stevie Nicks Groups: Spiro Giro, The Doors, The Beatles Abbey Road. Manhattan Transfer Birdland,Inass, Kool and The Gang, Earth Wind and Fire, Puddle of Mud, Herb Albert and the Tejuana Brass,Nat King Cole, Bananrama and The Stones to name a few too many!
Anything by Billy Joel, Bob Dylan, John Fogerty and of course the Beatles.
John Rutter - everything choral he has ever written, and some of his orchestral music - he is perhaps the only composer of Christian and secular music that is making a decent living. You should really do something with Rutter!
Led Zepplin is one of my all time favorites,along with Billy Joel,Rolling Stones, Pat Benetar and the music from the 60’s and good Rock n.Roll etc.
Let me add to that - everything - everything written - both music and lyrics - by Stephen Sondheim - truly a living American treasure
Everything from Johnny Mathis to James Taylor and mostly Bruce Springsteen. Love them all.
Astrud Gilberto and Stan Getz bossa nova music recorded in the early 1960’s…it always lifts my spirits! People say I sound a bit like her.And Jaio Gilberto on guitar, singing solo. So many: Dean Martin, Il Divo, Tony Bennett,Peggy Lee, Diana Krall,and the classics: Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Wagner.Must have music playing all of the time!
I play guitar and sing. When I play “Here Comes the Sun” it truly is “all right.” And when I play Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” and get it (pretty much) as written, I’m filled with joy.
“THE VERY BEST OF NAT KING COLE”
Sweet and velvety … what a pro!!!
This is the sort of question that drives me crazy—and also delights me, because there are so many musicians and so many forms of music that I am grateful for, but off the top of my head I will name Pink Floyd, The Moody Blues, The Who, Richard & Mimi Farina, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Phil Ochs. Bob Marley, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Pete Seeger, Bonnie Raitt, Janis Joplin, Milt Jackson, Jimi Hendrix, Black 47, Aztec Two Step, the Grateful Dead, the Rolling Stones, the Kinks and, of course, the Beatles. I am also grateful for lesser-known local musicians wherever I find them and get the chance to hear them. Everybody should hear some live music even if the performers have never had a Top 40 hit and be grateful for their talent, energy and effort. There are a lot of names I’ve mentioned, but there are many more that I haven’t, but I love and appreciate them all. So now do you see why this sort of question drives me crazy and delights me???
I was 13 years old when I was painting ny grandmother’s back porch and just happened to tune my radio to WQXR which was playing Dvorak’s New World Symphony. I had never heard it before and immediately fell in love with it and began listening to classical music from then on. My life has never been the same since.
My favorite song?
How about “Frontline Is A Biased News Source”.
Favorite artist: “Bill Moyers is A Has-Been Liberal Dinosaur Whose Criticisms of the Religious Right and the Republican Party Are Becoming Boring”.
Of course my all-time favorite song is “I Will Never Support Public TV or Radio Until It Sheds Its Liberal Bias.”
Could I be any clearer?
Mary Timony, Greg Dulli and Billy Corgan are the best songwriters around! They’re responsible for many of the songs I am thankful for.
I got another song by Jenny Ling Po: “I’m a Retrograde Right-wing Crank Who Won’t Stay on Topic.” Got the picture, Jenny? If that isn’t plain enough—how about whistling “Lighten Up”? Or “Dixie,” if you prefer.
The Heebie Jeebies, Strawberry Fields Forever, Golden Lady, So Sorry Please, Brahms Clarinet Quintet, Ruby by Ray Charles, John Coltrane’s My Favorite Things.
Keep up the good work PBS. You’re the one unbiased news source out there. I don’t always like what I hear and that’s a good thing.
As a teenager, I heard the Hungarian Rhapsody one night, and fell in love with classical music. So many songs and music I like. “Were thine that special face…” Beethoven’s Fifth, Barber’s “Adagio for Strings” Dancing in the Dark, Louis Armstrong’s”It’s a Beautiful World, New World Symphony, etc.
tchaikowsky, jackson browne, leonard cohen, john cale, lou reed, nico, phil ochs, stravinsky, brahms, ives, aaron copland, barber, schoenberg, the weavers, queen, moody blues, pink floyd, paul simon, coldplay, steely dan, springsteen, simon and garfunkel, green day, eagles, dylan, mozart, ….in no particular order after the first 3. there are newer ones, too—but i don’t yet know if they’ll have staying power for me…..
These are my comfort zone, with Tchaikowsky’s serenade for strings in C major the absolute #1.
“You Can’t Do That” by the Beatles; Astral Weeks by Van Morrison; Soul Men by Sam and Dave; Criss-Cross by Thelonius Monk; Schubert’s piano sonata in A (d.959); Mozart Quartet K.575 and his Prager Symphony; Louis Armstrong’s Hot 5/7; B.B. KIng’s Blue is King; Duke Ellington’s “Someone”; early and middle Kinks; The Immortal Otis Redding; Barry Harris Plays Tad Dameron; Chris Potter Underground.
Joan Baez in almost all her songs but especially “Battle Hym of the Republic,” “We shall Overcome” and “Be not too Hard.
Celtic Thunder!! What fantastic music! Beautiful voices, excellent variety, and the five men who sing are easy on the eyes, too!!!
Give me BB King, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, or the Chieftans. Sort of eclectic but I love them all.
Handel’s Messiah done by various orchestras and choral groups is a great one as Christmas approaches and I enjoy James Taylor’s music any time of the year.
I’m thankful for George Martin, whose musical collaboration on Yellow Submarine was my bridge to a love of classical music. Stephan Schwartz, whose Godspell and Pippin was my bridge to a love of Broadway. Aretha Franklin, whose ‘Say a Little Prayer’ is my bridge to appreciating those I love. And Leonard Bernstein, whose energy. passion and creativity was my bridge to looking and listening to classical music a whole new way!
BEETHOVAN’S NINTH SYMPHONY (ODE TO PEACE) AND THE EUROPEAN ANTHEUM, WHICH WAS CELEBRATED, AMONG OTHER PERFORMANCES, BY LEONARD BERNSTEIN’S BERLIN CONCERT
TO COMMEMORATE THE FALL OF THE BERLIN WALL AND THE
PEOPLES DESIRE TO LIVE TOGETHER.
MARTIN SILVER
Try Nelli Mckay–great, smart, witty jazzy: her album “Get away from Me”.
No one’s mentioned THE MONKEES–and of course Beatles, Stones, Chad and Jeremey, Peter and Gordon. If you know these guys, it shows your age…:)
Leonard Cohen. Louden Wainwright. “Madame George” by you-know-who. Most things by Verdi.
Our favourite music is Mozart at bed time.We old ones specially love the piano concerto’s.We forget the problems of the day and just enjoy and fall asleep.
Sibelius: Finlanda, Op. 26 ignites the soul to self transcend into the higher octaves of spiritual conciousness of the “I AM THAT I AM.”
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Yo Yo Ma, the Beatles, Bruce Springsteen (especially Thunder Road), Joni Mitchell, Dar Williams, and on and on and on.
I love Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble. He weaves a rich, beautiful musical tapestry. that is instructive as well. He has taught me about the various musical traditions in the world.
Another Green World-Brian Eno, late Beatles, Ravi Shankar, Villa Lobos, Bartok’s 3rd and 4th String Quartets and Beethoven’s late violin Quartets all take the mind and heart on a wide rangeing excursion and back home. Grateful to drop everything and listen.
I love the new age music of Yanni. I also enjoy listening to Andrea Bocelli and Il Divo, the Ten Tenors. I belive Terrance Yallop from Realmusic says it best, Music is our friend
At Thanksgiving I like to hear “Thanksgiving” from Charles Ives’ Holidays Symphony. My two favorite Christmas pieces are Vaughan Williams’ “Hodie” and Respighi’s “Lauda” (Praise for the Birth of the Lord). Then there’s Britten - “A Boy Was Born” - (”Ceremony of Carols” is heard often enough).
Andre Rieu
Where do I start? Some of the ones which raise the hair on the back of my neck: “Un bel di,” “A Day in the Life,” “The Anvil Chorus,” the children’s chorus in “The Wall,” “The Hallelujah Chorus.” Anything by Tschaikovsky, Verdi, Puccini and Pete Seeger and Joan Baez. I gotta stop before this gets outta hjand.
Nancy Wilson at Carnegie Hall (1989). A vocalist without equal, she is one of the most disciplined and stunning song sylists of our time. Her connection with her audience puts her on a par with Nat King Cole and Ray Charles, hands down.
Frank Sinatra
J.S. Bach
“If Not For You” by Bob Dylan. What sweeter way to be thankful for the ones you love? And “Democracy is Coming to the USA” by Leonard Cohen - it’s not about being thankful, but many of us are thankful that democracy may be a little closer this year.
The Eels & the White Stripes
From The Three Tenors, Andre Bocelli, The prayer, Sammy Davis Jr Jerry Vale, Vic Damone, Como, The Beatles, Gin Blossoms,,, Most varieties, Music lifts my heart and soul, Makes me feel better and lightens my troubles.
Must hear Nat King Cole’s Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose, Yuletide Carols being sung by a fire, etc. etc. No holiday wold be complete with his melodic voice!
Motown, Late sixties, Sixties protest music
Grateful always to those who make up the soundtrack of my life: Wynton Marsalis, Dinah Washington, Traffic, Phil Ochs, Joni Mitchell, The Tannahill Weavers, Bruce Springsteen, Diana Ross, Louis Armstrong, Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, Natalie Merchant, Bob Dylan, Silly Wizard, Peggy Lee, Ry Cooder, Karan Casey, Great Big Sea, Sea Train, Nancy LaMott, Deanta, Sloan Wainwright, Van Morrison, James Taylor, Altan, Nancy Wilson, Eric Clapton, CSN&Y, Rod Stewart, Joan Armatrading and Tommy Makem and The Clancy Bros., and of course,The Beatles
The Beatles Rubber Soul album; the Rolling Stones Let It Bleed album; U2 Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.
Mozart operas and Wagner opera “highlights”. Any old recording of Jessye Norman. Or, for a change, Katie Melua, The Rolling Stones, The Smiths, the Wise Guys from Cologne, Germany
I love chopin, Bethoven, Rachmoninov, Mozart List and the lists goes on. What delightful music they have left us. We are lucky we can hear and enjoy them and those of us who play a musical instrument, are fortunate to feast on their music as we play.
Bach’s “Brandenburg Concertos” (all of them!), Elvis Costello, esp. like “She”, nearly any Annie Lennox/Eurythmics
John Roberts and Tony Barrand are superb. They range from wonderful ballads to funny songs to songs from England and America. Off the beaten track for most, but well worth the search. see their website http://www.ziplink.net/users/lwalker/roberts_barrand.shtml
My wife & I like a variety of music styles & performers. They include Andre Rieu, Andrea Bocelli, Frank Sinatra, Nat Cole, Eddy Arnold, Julie Andrews. We also like music from Broadway shows; and Latin American music, especially marimba music.
I love the music of Handel, particularly as conducted by Nicholas McGegan.
I come back again and again to Leon Russell singing his “A Song for
You”. Who is the ‘you’ is for the listener to decide - I am thankful for every opportunity I get to listen to this piece.
The one and only Roy Orbison. He had such a unique voice and personality and was most unassuming. In Dream, A Love so Beautiful. His work in the Traveling Willibrys was fantastic. He is missed.
luciano pavarotti nessun dorma stops me in my tracks. Time to say goodbye, Sarah Brigtman. pacabel’s canon, Eric Clapton, Chris Botti, Josh Grobin, an aria, here and there., the Judds, the Boss, Dido, Enya, William Ackerman, Boots Randolf and Chet Atkins.
The first record I ever bought about 1954/55 with pocket money was “Stranger In Paradise” from Kismet. By Tony Bennett. He is still going strong, and that song is a classic.
Nat King Cole’s Christmas Album…The Christmas Song…will ALWAYS be my favorite….brings back many good memories…and good times, if there was MONEY or NOT
Nobody compares to Frankie! The Beatles are a close second!
13 and NJN have already done a great job celebrating the awesome John Denver, so how about a special on the perfect tonal quality and great singing of Karen Carpenter minus the tradgedy of her past. Maybe a christmas special. Thanks
Leonard Cohen is magical, both in the songs he’s written and his voice. Try the album from the documentary about him, “I’m Your Man”.
U2: Joshua Tree, War; Kings of Leon: Only By Night; everything by Bob Marley; Bruce Springsteen: Born to Run; Bob Dylan: Shot of Love; The Clash: Sandanista!; everything by Marvin Gaye; everything by Same Cooke; everything by Ray Charles; almost everything by Elvis; Rolling Stones: Sympathy for the Devil; Beatles: Sgt. peppers, “I am the Walrus”, “Happiness is a Warm Gun”, “While my guitar Gently Weeps”; Pavarotti: “Ave Maria”; can’t think of any other memorable artists, songs or performances.
Anything by Jussi Bjoerling, especially his early Swedish songs; and Richard Tauber’s incredible Viennese-accented Schmalz.
I am thankful for Van Morrison’s “Into the Mystic”. I love a lot of music of all kinds, but that song always sends me into the mystic and beyond.
Mozart in general but the Marriage of Figaro in particular. It is just the most perfect opera, and possibly the most perfect piece of music, ever written.
Frankie is still my favorite _we love the doo-wop & the fifties shows
Keep it UP TJ!
Also Richard Rogers& Oscar Hammerstein–Lerner & Lowe——Leonard Bernstein !
I can sit and listen to John Gary’s wonderful voice and the beautiful songs he sang. His treatment of the Irish ballads was especially pleasing. I have never heard a voice so wonderfully delicious to my ears.
As the saying goes, “beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder”, similiaryly, the interpretation of music lies in it’s source and the circumstances under which it is rendered. You see, our teenage daughter cannot talk,amongst many other things she cannot do, for she has severe Cerebral Palsy. Yet,she speaks many unspoken words with her big, beautiful glossy eyes and hums her favorite Indian melodies with her plump cherry like lips. It gives me and my family immeasureable pleasure and solace to stare into her eyes and listen to her melodious voice. We are all thankful for having her and having the honor of caring for her.
Josh Groban, Josh Groban, Josh Groban! So when are you going to air the Rose Hall special that was taped for Channel 13???? The one with Idina Menzel and Josh.
Josh Groban! So when are you going to air the Rose Hall special that Channel 13 taped? More Josh, please!
Smile(Lyle Lovett)People(Barbara Streisand)Imagine(John Lennon)Misty(Johnny Mathis)You’ll Never Walk Alone(Rodgers and Hammerstein)What a Wonderful World(Louis Armstrong)
I’m thankful for the music of Coldplay, to me they are consistently better then other recent bands.I also enjoy Travis.As for the classics give me The Rat Pack, Ella, Johnny Mercer,the Beatles, Elvis,Paul Simon and the angelic Eva Cassidy.
Funkadelic for “Maggot Brain”
and
Louis Armstrong for “What a Wonderful World”
50’s & 60’s Oldies, Cal Tjader, Queen, old Cuban & Puerto Rican music (El Negrito Bembon), AOL’s Latin Jazz Channel & Classical Channel; Salsa, Strauss Waltzes, George Gershin Rap. in Blue, Spanish & Engl. Christmas music, Bebo Velez & the gypsie “Lagrimas Negras”, and many more. We’re blessed with youtube to hear old music. Cable music & internet music is a blessing also.
60’s British Rock - Beatles, Herman Hermits, Hollies, Dave Clark 5, Rolling Stones, Animals, Dusty Springfield, Petula Clark, Gerry and the Pacemakers. Also summer of Love bands, Mamas & the Papas, Beach Boys, Turtles, Peter Paul and Mary
Mark Knopfler is the best! John Prine and Randy Newman write about life as it really is. Aretha is still “The Queen” of soul and Steely Dan never let’s me down.
How ab out some recordings or videos of Ruth Ann Swenson. This artist does not get the kudos she so rightly deserves. A tremendous talent.
I am thankful for Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Chopin, Elgar-music that expresses such rich,at times raw, emotion.
I am thankful for the song titled “One Song.” The music was written by Marvin Hamlish. The lyrics were written by Alan and Marilyn Bergman. I teach music in a Bronx elementary school and I feel that this song unites us. There is a strong connection in music and our humanity. Music is the only international language that can lead to peace in this turbulant world. Thank you Marvin. Thank you Alan and Marilyn.
John Denver and Placido Domingo’s duet, “Perhaps Love”. It’s a lovely song AND an attempt to enlarge the audiences for pop and opera. I first heard it on WPAT, but I recognized that glorious tenor voice immediately.
I am thankful, first and foremost, for The Beatles, and last and certainly not least, for Radiohead. But, my tastes are quite varied, so overall I am thankful to my mother for sharing her collection of LPs with me.
carmina burana
One of my favorite songs is “The Prayer” sung by Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion. It moved me to tears the first time and continues to speak to me at some level beneath words. Another is “How are We Gonna Save Tomorrow?” by Pete Seeger - the foremost folk musician and humanitarian of the 20th and 21rst century - these songs move one to want to do something
John Coltrane–A Love Supreme
Miles Davis–In A Silent Way
Dennis Sandole
Gustav Mahler–Symphony #9
I’m with Abernathy - the American hymn tradition - the music that helped our ancestors get through times even more difficult than ours.
I love the music of the great operetta composers, like Friml, Romberg, the great songs of Gershwin, Kern and others who contributed to the great shows of yesteryear. For singers, I run the gamut from Richard Tucker to Frank Sinatra. I miss them all.
i am thankful for the music of the Divine Sarah Vaughn. Almost anything by Stan Kenton. Les Brown, who doesn’t get the play time he deserves.
My favorite music is classical: Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Bach,Mendelsohn, Chopin, etc. –How melodic and relaxing—something to be thankful for.
In responding to what type music or what singers are you most ‘thankful’ for, my answer is the genre of Girl Groups. To name several, they are Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Shangri-Las featuring Mary Weiss, The Shirelles, Ronnie Spector & The Ronettes, The Flirtations, The Toys, The Marvelettes, Patti LaBelle & The Bluebelles, The Chiffons, The Velvelettes, The Angels, et al. This great genre was especially evident during the Stonewall Era of 1966 to 1969. All of these groups are represented in the “Songs of The Stonewall”. Girl groups never out of sight: think “Dreamgirls” the play, the movie and the touring company. As we all know, the Girl Groups music lives on and on and on….
For Christmas music I am thankful for the Celtic Woman Christmas album. It’s a great mix of your favorites without being afraid to emphasize what Christmas means. I’d be most thankful to see a Libera Christmas album. Maybe you can get Libera on PBS!
anything by andrea bocelli, i absolutely love him. he can sing courses on a menu and it would sound beautiful.
I am thankful for all classical music, but at this time two opera choruses appeal to me most: Wagner’s Tannhauser–Pigrims’ Chorus, and Verdi’s Nabucco–Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves.
I am thankful of Jane Sibery’s “Child” album. It is a recording of a holiday concert she did in New York which I attended years ago with a friend who later committed suicide. I love the music and the remembrance of my friend who left me all too soon.
Stevie Ray Vaughan, Riviera Paradise and every other song He has performed. He was the greatest Guitar Player of his time, right up there with Jimi Hendrix.
I love many different types of music, from opera and classical to Broadway to folk and rock. At the moment, if I had to pick just one thing: the trio from the last act of Rosenkavalier.
Barbara Carroll! She’s what makes New York New York. Whether on LPs, CDs or, best of all, live at that other New York wonder, the Oak Room, she really does play all the things I love.
I’m thankful for so much music - classical, jazz, show tunes, the American Songbook, rock & roll - my life would be so different without music. What just jumped into my head when you asked the question was Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five” album.
I’m thankful for so many kinds of music, not just one type. How about Arlo on Thanksgiving, Mozart on the plaza, the Beatles on my old vinyl, the Who live, Haydn at Tanglewood, and anything at all on Pete Fornatale’s show on WFUV!
“Wonder Child”, by Helen Reddy..she sang it on Sesame Street, when I used to watch it in the early 80’s, with my children. Still touches me deeply…..
I am still so grateful we had Beverly Sills as a spectacular singing actress. I remember not only her operatic performances, but at least one recital broadcast on PBS. If you could dig up some of those for another posthumous tribute to Beverly, I think you’d see a lot of gratitude from opera lovers.
Andre Rieu means the most to me. When my husband was on his death bed, he asked me play our DVD of Andre Rieu from Maastrict in Hollan. Myt husband ws born in Holland, and he cried as he watched it. He died on Jube 5th of 2008.
I love Andre Rieu, Sarah Brightman when she does Classics, Yo Yo Mah & Friends, especially playing Handel’s “Hail the Conquering Hero Comes”, “Ein Kleine Nacht Musik”, Il Divo, and on and on and on!
The late MS. M. Mekeba: I love that lady, she always think of her people, “Africa is where my heart is.” During the holidays I think of my forefathers who was brought here. The blame for this is not only on the whites, the black african must also share some of the blame.
My (2) FAVORITE ARTISTS ARE bARBRA STREISAND WHO SINGS PEOPLE AND HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN,AND THE OTHER NEW ARTIST IS LINDA EDER WHO SINGS ONE OF MY FAVORITE SONGS VIENNA,HER SIGNATIRE SONG.
Bocelli, Bocelli, Bocelli! Any CD, any song, any language! Most especially his encores at concerts not on cd yet: “My Way”, New York, NY” etc. His latest album “Incanto” is amazing! What a master he is!
I am so thankful for music and for “13″’s wonderful program of Arts. My favorites are Antonio Carlos Jobim with Astrud Gilbreto singing on the album Brazil’66!! I would love to hear you play it.Also great Jazz, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Yusef Latiff, Cole Porter love songs, Sondheim, Chopin’s waltzes, Vivaldi, Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, early Dylan, the Beatles, Joan Baez, Shirley Bassey’s greatest hits, Sinatra, music from Rodger’s & Hammerstein, Kismet, The King and I, James Taylor, Barry Manilow, Edith Piaf, Nina Simone, Barbra Streisand’s concert live in central park Thanks again, Eileen Lebegue
Bette Middler singing The Rose
I am thankful to be able to listen to and appreciate music of all genre. Whether it’s jazz,latin,pop,swing,classical or instrumental there is always something to lift my spirits or relax me. How dull life would be without music in it! One of my favorite pieces is On the wings of a Song - Mendelssohn.
As a musician, ideally the notes that I am playing every moment that I am playing should be my favorite ones! But if I had to pick a favorite piece just for fun, I would have to say that George Gershwin’s “I Got Rhythm” would about sum it up for me.
Outstanding should-be classic: an undiscovered Brooklyn-by-way-of-Boston band called Goats In Trees. Find their out-of-print first album from ‘98 and listen to “Dead of Winter” - still a gem waiting to be discovered. New discovery: School of Seven Bells, coincidentally also from Brooklyn. Their new CD “Alpinisms” has “Half Awake,” “Connjur” and “Chain,” three catchy and creative wonders (hear them on MySpace). Note: My interest in these artists is just personal, not professional; I music-directed radio stations for many years, and discovering exciting new music is still on of my life’s great joys, for which I am eternally thankful.
I’m thankful for two artists: BILL WATROUS, a jazz trombonist who is marvelous, and BEETHOVEN, who wrote such beautiful music..
My favorite music of all times is, MUSIC. Any type brings sheer joy and happiness!
The one and only Elvis Aaron Presley— my favorite singer. Since the first time I saw him and heard him in 1956, I have been in love with this special man. I am thankful for his artistry today and every day.
I am thankful for timeless classics such as The Beatles White Album and American Beauty by the Grateful Dead. I am always listening to the music onf my youth, whether it be Cream, Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin or Jimi Hendrix. But I also love Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, etc etc. I could go on forever.
I am thankful for the body of work composed by two great contemporary artists, Elvis Costello and Tom Waits. If you love lyrics, as I do, you can never tire of their music.
The Beatles album “Abby Road” it brings back memories of wonderful days of my youth. I loved so much that I bought it sung in Salsa. GREAT ALBUM OF ALL TIME.
I actually prefer to get my music at Lincoln Center or on my own CD’s and would much rather have more “Mystery” programming…
Addition to #67: John Lennon’s, “In My Life” and probably the best song ever written: “Imagine.”
Holly Cole is the musician which makes my life more pleasant. Recently while writing she inspired me while putting the finishing touches on a book. Her song ” I Told Him that My Dog Wouldn’t Run” is timeless. Thank you Holly and Happy Thanksgiving all.
OK, I posted that the artist I’m thankful for is Neil Young, but I certainly cant help adding two more artists that I listen to chronically these days — Wilco and the Drive-by Truckers. To know the DBTs think of a a mix of Skynard and The Clash.
I’m thankful for the music Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder and Prince. All genius, all original and all not willing to rest upon their own lofty laurels.
It’s a pleasure to listen to the Jonathan Schwartz radio program as he plays American pop music and backs it up with stories behind the music and the performers.
I absolutely adore the harmony & passion exemplified in “DooWop”. Great stories bound to unforgetable melodies can soothe you, or get you up and dancing–especially after too much indulging.
keep the oldies and the classic soul music shows coming……
BLUE MAGIC IS MY FAV GROUP…..
sarah brightman, josh groban
I WILL ALWAYS REMAIN OLD SCHOOL: MY FAVS ARE TEMPTATIONS, COMMODORES, LIONEL RICHIE, I DO HOWEVER HAVE CDS FOR YANNI AS WELL.
THANK YOU FOR ASKING
On Thanksgiving Day, I always remember Arlo Guthrie’s Alice’s Restaurant. Although I can certainly find it on the internet, I will no doubt search the FM airwaves for a broadcast…unless of course Thirteen gets on the case. I’m looking forward to Roy Orbison’s Black and White–an amazing performance.
Josh Groban
“You Raise Me Up” is the title of my favorite song!
I love the Edith Piaf Album Je revien.My favorite song Stevie Wonder, I just called to say I love you.
So, so many.. Music is life: Louis Armstrong & Ella Fitzgerald, Sinatra’s Duets albums, Tony Bennett, JT, Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, Rosemary Clooney, Placido Domingo, The Beatles, Pavorotti, Santana, Moody Blues, Jim Croce, John Denver, etc. It’s endless… I could wax on to infinity…Not to forget Broadway plays… musicals… just endless because each song evokes memories of what was and what one wishes to be. Thanks for the memories, 13.
The Jay Welch Chorale happily rendering, “Caroling, Caroling, Caroling” (Christmas Bells Are Ringing),
A most joyous melody with words to lift high the spirits.
I’m thankful for James Taylor!
I must admit, I am eternally inspired by, and thankful to, my two favorite recording artists — ARETHA FRANKLIN and JONI MITCHELL. I was pleased to see that BOTH Great Women were recently profiled on “American Masters” — and I purchased both video/DVDs. I also truly enjoyed the recent special, “Respect Yourself,” on the history of Stax/Volt [ having been born-and-raised in Memphis, Tennessee ], and that GREAT Otis Redding special, which I loved so much that I pledged during the broadcast! . . . Thank You, Thirteen, for this and your continued wonderful programming!
Very simply: Bruce Springsteen!
The theme song from recent Star Trek series, “Faith of the Heart” [also recorded by Rod Stewart], “I Will Get There” performed by Boyz II Men, the album A Grain of Sand especially the song, “War of the Flea” performed by Yellow Pearl aka Iijima, Miyamoyo & Chin, and Melanie’s “Nickel Song” have helped me keep going through racism, recessions, blackouts and 9-11
Classic Country & Western, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, & 1960’s Rock.
Today I am thankful for Willie Colon! For songs like, “Guisando.” I would adore it if Thirteen aired an American Masters on the Fania All Stars!
I’m thankful to the music of Peggy Lee, “Fever”. I am thankful for the music of “Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five”. The Jackson Five is the group of my youth growing up in New York City.
BEATLES, BEATLES, BEATLES
NEED I SAY MORE—PROBABLY SPEAK FOR MORE THAN 99 % OF THE WORLD’S POPULATION—THEIR MUSIC GIVES SO MUCH UPLIFTING, HAPPINESS, MEMORIES TO THE EARLY DAYS OF THE GREAT MUSIC!!!
THANKS EVER SO MUCH FOR THIRTEEN
county johnny cash,county clint black,& louis armstrong.i listen to almost any music as long as they are not yelling and screaming like fools.no rap or beatles.miss the days of dean martin when there was music.
Celine Dion & Barry Manilow & Yo-Yo Ma
Roy Orbson special—-who played with Roy? I see bruce,Elvis,Daltry Who Else?
Jug Band Music. Without question this has been the most enjoyable, meaningful and fun music in my life. While there are other forms of music I like, from the minute I heard Jim Kweskin and the Jug Band in 1963, I was hooked. I’ve been playing it ever since, with the same group we formed to play folk music in 1962. It is without question America’s truly unique music - a blend of jazz, folk, blues, regtime, you-name-it.
I am thankful for the Ramones, the Clash, the Sex Pistols, Black Sabbath, AC/DC, and of course the Beatles. Without them, I do not know if music would be bearable today.
Certainly, Andre Bocelli hands down!!!!!!!!
No-one modern day can come close. Such a pleasure to listen to.
Thank you Andre and Thirteen. Keep up the fine work!
The music which especially appeals to me is opera broadcasts on Sunday Arts. Classical music concerts are pleasurable when they feature the works of a famous composer or singer.This Thanksgiving night Andrea Bocelli’s Vivere concert from Tuscany was a real treat. Keep up the great programming. It is much appreciated by this member.
i am thankful for the music of teddy pendergass and ojays,marvin gays and,order as sush and for station like thirteen who play there concerts thank you pbs.
In tough economic times, we all need to be inspired and creative. Jazz-any form-inspires creativity! Today, I recommend Carmen McRae-she’s got the attitude!
Miss Barbara Carroll remains New York’s and the country’s #1 Cabaret artist — a performer without peer, a lady of style and unsurpassed keyboard talent.
peggy lee
THERE’S QUITE A L O N G LIST OF “FAVORITE” SONGS FOR ME HOWEVER, I ALWAYS THINK FIRST OF MEL CARTER’S SONG “HOLD ME, THRILL ME, KISS ME!! GREAT SONG, WONDERFUL VOICE! THANK YOU FOR ALL THE GREAT PROGRAMMING!
My favorite music runs the gamut from classical to classic rock. It’s impossible to narrow it down to one artist or song. I would like to say that the Beatles and The Velvet Underground (and Lou Reed’s) contribution to Rock music has been enormous.
Paul Simon’s American Tune
Anything written or performed by Gato Barbieri, especially Europa (Earth’s Cry, Heaven’s Smile) composed by Carlos Santana.
Like Bob, I’m also grateful for choral music, classic rock (especially British bands like Led Zeppelin, The Who and Pink Floyd), and opera (Cecilia Bartoli and Placido Domingo).
Neil Young
I am so very thankful for my friend, Joe.
I am just thankful for music in general, i can’t imagine a world without it, however, i love the Tempting Temptations,I can’t get next to you, Ball of Confusion and Papa was a rolling stone.
I think the greatest music is Doo Wop, I sit and listen to it and my heart softens with all the memories it brings back, especially hearing Earl Lewis and the Channels, the Cleftones, the Dubs what could be better. I was not even brought up on Doo Wop, but after seeing TJ Lubinsky’s shows, and hearing his radio show, I could not go back to anything else. I just fell hard for the music and have not looked back since. Thanks heavens for a man like TJ, he is an ICON!!!