Music

Legendary singer-songwriter Bill Withers took his massive musical talents to The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson where he performed one of his classic hits.

Comic Johnny Carson hosted NBC’s The Tonight Show for decades. During his run as host, Johnny had on some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Carol Burnett, George Carlin, Steve Martin and Jimmy Stewart. The program also featured several musical performances from the likes of The Bee Gees, Whitney Houston and Tina Turner.

A clip posted on YouTube features another outstanding musical performance from none other than the iconic Bill Withers. Bill, in the video, gives a remarkable presentation, using his unmistakable voice to sing his beloved tune, “Ain’t No Sunshine.”

He sounds absolutely fantastic, turning in a stunning performance as he sways back and forth to the rhythm of the music. Bill, with his terrific sound combined with his cool and calm demeanor, makes it appear incredibly effortless, which is the mark of a professional. 

The studio audience, like anyone who views the clip, loved Bill’s performance. They gave the legendary entertainer a deafening round of applause. 

After he finished singing “Ain’t No Sunshine,” Bill sat down and had an open and honest discussion with Johnny about his life before hitting it big, which included making toilets.

“Oh yeah, it was a good job,” Bill said. “I had a lot of fun doing that.”

He later mentioned how he didn’t enter the world of entertainment until his early 30s. 

“Well, I got into entertainment at 30, 32 years old,” Bill said. “I was, you know, a pretty ordinary guy, and when I came into this, I came in with my own money. I invested my own money and came in like any other business.

In addition to having a memorable, unmistakable voice and loads of musical talent, Bill seemed to be a very down-to-earth, likable human being. 

James 5:13 “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let him say prayers. Is anyone glad? Let him make a song of praise.”

Two young people, one of whom, given his talent and appearance, bears a striking resemblance to a massively popular musician, put on a remarkable street performance.

Doing anything in a public format, where people can offer opinions and criticism, can be nerve-racking. Those feelings of fear and anxiety can be so overwhelming that it gets to the point where people develop a fear of performing in public. It can keep people from using their God-given talents to reach their full potential. 

Luckily, Allie Sherlock and 12-year-old Fionn Wheelan have not been deterred by any negative feedback they may have received. In a video posted on YouTube, the youngsters perform a duet on the side of a busy street to Leonard Cohen’s hit from the 1980s, “Hallelujah.”

During the 5-and-a-half-minute clip, Allie plays the bass guitar and sings. She is joined by Fionn, a young redheaded child, who helps Allie out by providing vocals. She gets their performance started by strumming on her guitar and singing the first verse and the tune’s memorable but simple chorus.

Then, Fionn joins in, singing the second verse by himself. The young man, from the moment he opens his mouth and starts singing, will have most people shocked and baffled. His voice is stunning and has a terrific, soothing and professional-sounding tone. 

It's rather hard to believe that a voice that is so mature and pleasant is coming from someone so young. Some may even, as the video’s title does, draw comparisons between Fionn and music superstar Ed Sheeran. The clip’s title declares that “’12 year old young Ed Sheeran’ is the new Ed.”

Whether the young man goes on to have a career like Ed Sheeran is unclear at this point. But what is clear to anyone with a working set of ears is that Allie and Fionn’s street performance is outstanding! The several dozen people who have gathered to take in the show also agree, as they give the pair a well-deserved round of applause. 

Ephesians 5:19 “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;”

One country music legend, Alan Jackson, took time to recognize and celebrate the birthday of another legendary figure in the world of country music, Hank Williams.

 

Every genre of music has its towering, monumental and historic figures. They are the bands or musicians who essentially set the standard for their particular type of music. Everyone else who comes after them is basically trying to imitate or build off what they have already done. 

 

In the world of country music, it doesn’t get any more historic or legendary than Hank Williams. His songs like “Hey, Good Lookin’,” “I’m so Lonesome I Could Cry” and “Your Cheatin’ Heart” are instantly recognizable. Even if you aren’t a country music or a Hank Williams fan, you’ve likely heard those songs a time or two. 

In a clip posted on YouTube, Alan Jackson recognized his fellow country musician Hank Williams on what would have been his 100th birthday. Sitting in a room adorned with memorabilia, Alan strums the guitar and sings Hank Williams’ song, “Your Cheatin’ Heart.”

In the short video, Alan gives a spirited and emotional cover of the Hank Williams classic. It’s a version that even the most devoted and rabid Hank Williams fan will appreciate.

Many who commented on the video mentioned how much they loved and appreciated Alan’s touching tribute to Hank Williams.

“Thanks Alan for reminding us of one of the most influential talented founding fathers of traditional country music. Thanks also for sticking to your traditional guns!!” one person wrote.

“Alan, you are amazing! This beautiful tribute is even more special coming from a great singer like you! May God bless you and your beautiful family,” another individual posted.

“My longtime favorite since childhood, tributing to one of the old legends. God bless you Alan!” someone else added.  

At the end of his performance, Alan mentions how much the legendary country music singer and songwriter has meant to him and his career in music. 

“Happy 100th birthday, Hank,” Alan said. “I don’t think I’d be here without you.”

Psalm 104:33 “I will make songs to the Lord all my life; I will make melody to my God while I have my being.”

A group of supremely talented musicians turned in a stunning cover of a beloved rock song by Guns N’ Roses.

Musicians have been and will continue to cover songs. Covering other musicians' tunes is a practice that is likely as old as music itself. Nearly every band does it at one time or another. Also, it’s a terrific way for little-known musicians and bands to gain notoriety and attention. Who doesn’t want to hear a different take on a classic song every now and then?

In a clip posted on YouTube, the bluegrass band Thunder and Rain performed the Guns N’ Roses hit “Sweet Child O’ Mine.” It’s an unbelievably delightful cover and a dramatic departure from the original hard rock version of the 1980s track.

All of the musicians involved should be proud of their cover. It’s absolutely fantastic, playing the same tune but with different instruments from the Guns N’ Roses original. But what really makes the cover work is the young woman’s beautiful vocals. 

The soft, sweet tone of her voice is utterly delightful. She could likely cover most songs, and it would probably work. Her voice and take on the track sound similar to Sheryl Crow’s rendition. Also, likely as a way to pay honor and show respect to the originators of “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” the young woman sports a Guns N’ Roses shirt in the video.  

While Thunder and Rain take the song in a decidedly different direction, it works well. Their take on the classic rock song is more than enjoyable and worth several listens. This rendition is one of the best covers of any song you’re likely to ever hear.

Many who commented on the video on YouTube commented on how much they loved and appreciated their cover.

“The best cover of this song I’ve ever heard. Thank you!” one individual posted. 

“Great job everyone!! As a 70-year-old bluegrasser you make me smile,” one person added. 

Psalm 104:33 “I will make songs to the Lord all my life; I will make melody to my God while I have my being.”

One musically gifted young man turned in an astonishing cover of a beloved classic hit by the legendary entertainer Elvis Presley.

Being able to sustain a career spanning decades in the music industry is a difficult task. The general public's musical tastes change quickly. What is popular today will not be tomorrow. Most musicians are unable to adapt and adjust fast enough to keep up. But regardless of how much music may transform or mutate, there are a handful of musicians that are timeless. 

Elvis Presley belongs to that elite category of legendary musicians. Like The Beatles, Michael Jackson and The Rolling Stones, Elvis’ music will always be listened to and played. In a clip posted on YouTube, one young performer, Elliot James Reay, tried his hand at playing and singing one of Elvis’ biggest and most memorable tracks, “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”

Elliot, performing an Elvis Presley track, took on a monumental task. Elvis forever changed music when he combined elements of country, blues and gospel. But despite his massive undertaking, Elliot more than succeeds. 

Elliot’s rendition of the Elvis song is shockingly good. His cover is worthy of a few plays. While his voice may not be as strong or as deep as Elvis’, he still manages to pull off an outstanding cover. It’s one that even the most diehard Elvis Presley fan would likely appreciate. 

While he does not change anything in the song or put his own spin on it, Elliot does something even more impressive. He does a tune from the “King of Rock and Roll” justice. 

Not only does Elliot have a similar sound to Elvis Aaron Presley, but he also has the same look in the short clip. In the video, Elliot wears a white t-shirt and has his hair done up in a fashion that Elvis made iconic. 

Elvis, even decades after his death, remains as popular as ever. His music is beloved by fans all over the world. Elliot, though, handily succeeds in giving a fantastic cover of one of Elvis’ biggest hits. 

Psalm 95:1 “O come, let us sing to the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation.”

One group of talented musicians went in a very different direction with their cover of a 1980s hit by Billy Joel, “Uptown Girl.”

Billy Joel is a legendary musician. The Piano Man has enjoyed a career that has spanned several decades. During his career, he has produced a number of classic, memorable songs. “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” arguably his most beloved and well-known hit, is a tune made up of a rundown of some of the most influential moments in history. The band Fall Out Boy even recently did an updated version.

Another of Billy’s biggest hits is “Uptown Girl,” about a young man trying to win over a woman who is likely out of his league. In a clip posted on YouTube, PostmodernJukebox and singer Stella Katherine Cole give the track a throwback, big band feel and sound. 

This version is a departure from the original 1983 hit but is still incredibly enjoyable. The musicians are talented enough to do the song justice while also putting their own spin on the tune by Billy Joel. 

The musicians do not entirely change the song, making it unrecognizable, but instead give it a slightly different feel and sound. It’s one that even the most diehard Billy Joel fans will still be able to appreciate and love.

In fact, many people who commented on the YouTube video mentioned how much they adored the updated version of the Billy Joel classic.

“Brilliant version, wonderful arrangement and fabulous singer. It’s amazing how great songs are still great no matter what style they’re sung in,” one person commented.

“This is absolutely perfect. Billy Joel classic and a wonderful style to use! Thank you all!” someone else wrote.

“Wow, this is amazing! I love the style, the vocals, the music, just everything about it – and Stella sounds very like Judy too,” another person added.

Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

One young woman turned in a marvelous cover of a song from a beloved and popular musical following the passing of a relative. 

In life, there are painful and uncomfortable situations that sting, batter and bruise. Unfortunately, the loss of loved ones is one of those difficult parts of life. No matter who it is or the circumstances surrounding their passing, it is always a grueling and agonizing period.

In a clip posted on YouTube, a young woman, 12-year-old Cassandra Star, sings “Never Enough” from the film “The Greatest Showman.” Her performance at the front of a church comes, according to the video’s description, following the death of her Aunt Kathie.

“All the shine of a thousand spotlights
All the stars we steal from the night sky
Will never be enough
Never be enough”

Cassandra’s vocal performance is stunning, especially given the circumstances surrounding her presentation. Her voice is beautiful despite the piano being louder than her singing at different times throughout the clip. 

This young woman shows she has been blessed with an abundance of musical talent. 

Everyone has their own way of dealing with loss and tragedy. Some people may prefer to mourn by themselves. Others may decide to reflect upon the good times and cherished memories created with someone who has recently passed. However, most people come together to mourn at a funeral service. 

As painful as those activities may be, they are necessary. It gives those hurting over the loss of a loved one closure and the chance to say goodbye. However, as the video’s description points out, when it comes to losing a loved one, all the time in the world will never be enough with them.

Thankfully, though, there is One who provides comfort and healing during these times of extreme pain and heartache. 

2 Corinthians 12:9 “And he said to them, ‘My grace is enough for you, for my power is made complete in what is feeble.’ Most gladly, then, will I take pride in my feeble body, so that the power of Christ may be on me.”

Two gifted vocalists – Mat and Savanna Shaw - show off their immense musical abilities with their jaw-dropping performance of “Lullaby, My Love.”

Love is a powerful force that binds and connects people to one another. No matter the distance, love will always prevail. 1 Corinthians chapter 13, verse 13 stresses the importance and strength of love. “But now we still have faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of these is love.”

In a clip posted on YouTube, father and daughter team, Mat and Savanna Shaw, sing about the importance and power of love as they turned in a magnificent, stunning cover of “Lullaby, My Love.” The song’s beautiful lyrics state how that distance and even death will never change or diminish the love the father has for his daughter and vice versa. 

In the track’s second verse, Mat and Savanna sing together about how no matter where the other is, their love and protection is never too far away. They are always within reach because as God’s Word mentions, also in 1 Corinthians chapter 13, “love never fails.”

Before the video and the song ends, Mat also sings that not even death will be able to remove his love from his daughter. His love will always be with his little girl. 

“And when my time is done
And I am up above
You always will, you always have, my love
My love”

Mat and Savanna’s remarkable vocal performances make this video worthy of several listens and views. They both, once again, show that they have been abundantly blessed in the musical department with loads of talent. 

In addition to the charming lyrics about the unfailing nature of love, the video is also beautifully and expertly shot. Mat and Savanna belt out the song’s lyrics while standing in a desert-type setting. Viewers get wide and expansive looks at the picturesque landscape on several occasions throughout the video. 

1 John 4:8 “He who has no love has no knowledge of God, because God is love.”

Three young men showed off their musical talent and knack for impersonation while performing “Too Much Heaven” by the Bee Gees.

The Bee Gees and their disco-era music have stood the test of time. Hits like “More than a Woman,” “You Should Be Dancing” and “Stayin’ Alive” are classics, with their familiar beats and catchy lyrics more than enough to get most people tapping their toes. Songs from the Bee Gees are still widely played and listened to today. 

In a clip posted on YouTube, the youngsters, the TNT Boys, covered “Too Much Heaven” by the Bee Gees. But they didn’t just perfectly belt out the lyrics to the song from the 1970s, they imitated the Bee Gees look.

Seconds before the first note of “Too Much Heaven,” the camera reveals the three young performers wearing matching silver jumpsuits. Not only jumpsuits, but they are all also sporting long, flowing wigs. Two of the youngsters even had fake facial hair. Once their 70s-style look is revealed, the studio audience lets out cheers and applause. One of the judges is sent into a fit of laughter, unable to contain her surprise at their eerie resemblance to the popular 70s group.

Once they reach the microphones, the three young men showcase their harmonies, singing the memorable lyrics in falsettos. The young men can certainly sing, and their impression of the Bee Gees is nearly spot on, imitating their vocals and mannerisms perfectly.

“Nobody gets too much heaven no more
It’s much harder to come by, I’m waiting in line
Nobody gets too much love anymore
It’s high as a mountain and harder to climb”

The program’s judges are delighted by the performance. The camera catches several of the judges laughing hysterically throughout the song. 

At the end of their performance, the studio audience erupts in thunderous applause and cheers. The judges also give the young men a polite round of applause.

Ephesians 5:19 “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;”

Listen to Tim McGraw’s touching new song called ‘Letter From Heaven.’

“The things you need to stay alive, aren’t the things you need to live, give 10% to little smiles,
You’ll get back what you give, and I know that it sounds crazy to try hot sauce on your PB&J
Have you ever thought, just maybe, to change the name of worry to pray? Today I got
A letter from Heaven, cleanin' out my Mamaw's house. I just smiled while I read it” 

What a great country song that may even make you tear up a bit! It is one of the tracks on Tim McGraw’s new album titled Standing Room Only, and he shared that it even makes him emotional.

“There are a couple of really life-affirming songs that I can’t wait for everybody to hear,” he says about his new album. “One called ‘Letter From Heaven’ that really just tears me up every time I hear it. You’re gonna have to have a Kleenex for that one. But there are some fun songs too.”

Tim shared some thoughts about his new project and how he has been working on putting it together for a while.

“This album I’ve been working on, gosh, since COVID was going on. I had been collecting songs for a while, found some great songs that had a lot of meanings, a lot of depth to them,” he said.

“I think as an artist, if you’re not improving, if you’re not thinking you’re getting better every time you make a record, then maybe it’s time to quit. I think this record has some of the most emotional songs, some of the most thought-provoking songs, and life-affirming songs that I’ve ever recorded. I’m excited for everyone to hear ’em because I just really think this is one of the best projects we’ve ever made.”

We hope that you enjoyed listening to the song ‘Letter From Heaven’ from his new album today! 

Two vocalists stunned an entire restaurant full of people with their outstanding and totally unexpected performance.

No two people are 100 percent alike. Arguably, this is nowhere more apparent than when it comes to music. Musical tastes from person to person can and do vary. Some may heavily favor all sounds of country music. Others may prefer music with a less southern or country influence. Rock music or alternative songs may be their genre of choice. 

As much as people could argue back and forth about the best genre of music, there is one likely to never come up during such a discussion. It’s almost a guarantee that no one will give opera as their favorite type of music. It’s just not that widely listened to, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a beautiful kind of music. A clip posted on YouTube proves this to be the case.

The short, 2-minute video starts with one man jumping on a piano in a crowded café in Düsseldorf, Germany. He immediately begins playing a very recognizable operatic tune. However, his choice of music leaves several of the café’s customers bewildered. Customers turn and look at the man on the piano with stunned, baffled looks.

But little do the customers know there are two other major surprises coming their way. 

About 20 seconds into the clip, a man at a table off to the left of the piano joins in, giving the piano player vocals. His singing is remarkable. His voice would lead one to believe he’s had extensive vocal training. His voice is perfect for a genre of music that would be difficult for anyone to perform. 

The many customers are again stunned but take into the impromptu musical performance, with many filming the scene. 

But then, after the man finishes singing, a young woman stands up and shows off her musical abilities. She is just as impressive as the young man before her.

Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

A clip of a performance that took place more than 60 years ago shows the legendary country performer Willie Nelson with a much different, more clean-cut look.

Nearly everything entertainers do is calculated and preplanned. From the sound of their music, the look of their stage and the clothes they wear while performing, it’s all intended to cultivate a brand and project an image. 

What would KISS be without their black-and-white makeup? What about Elton John without a flashy, over-the-top outfit? Over time, musicians become associated with their looks as much as for their music. That is certainly true of musician Willie Nelson.

A clip posted on YouTube shows the “On the Road Again” singer performing in 1962. The black and white video shows the iconic musician with a much different look than the one people have grown accustomed to over the decades of his career. 

Willie, while also wearing a suit and tie, is clean-shaven and has a short, well-maintained head of hair. Of course, this is a startling departure from his usual look of long, braided hair and a scraggly, unkempt beard. 

In the nearly 5-minute-long clip, Willie performs several songs, showing off his stunning vocal abilities. Willie starts things off by singing a few lines from “Hello Walls.” After a healthy round of applause from the studio audience, Willie goes right into the next song.

Then he announces he’ll be singing a tune that his “good friend Billy Walker'' performed at the Grand Ole Opry, “Funny How Time Slips Away.” Once again, after he finished singing a few lines from the song, the audience erupted with applause. 

The clip concludes with Willie singing a track made famous by Patsy Cline, whom Willie calls “one of the greatest entertainers of our time.” That song, of course, is “Crazy.”

Despite Willie’s shockingly different look, it’s still that same iconic and recognizable voice. It’s amazing how his voice has held up throughout the years. 

Psalm 104:33 “I will sing to the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.”

Christian music artist Olivia Lane and her mother turned in a stunning duet cover of a song from singer-songwriter Carole King.

Not everything in life is sunshine and roses. In fact, life can be a difficult, often punishing and grueling experience. Sometimes, no matter the situation, every choice feels wrong. Everyday living can become such a struggle that simply getting through another day can feel like a massive accomplishment. 

Thankfully, the good Lord allows special people to come into our lives. Friends, trusted allies and confidants can make all the difference in the world. Talking and sharing our troubles with someone can help to ease the burden and stress. Knowing that there is someone willing to listen is a priceless gift.

In a clip posted on YouTube, Olivia Lane and her mother sing “You’ve Got a Friend” by Carole King. The mother-daughter pair beautifully belts out the lyrics from the 1970s. It’s clear from the opening verse that this person, this friend is deeply committed and willing to be there on a moment’s notice.

“And nothin’, nothin’ is goin’ right
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest night”

The song’s memorable chorus states that no matter the time or the season of the year, their unconditional friendship is always available. Whenever this trusted friend is needed, all anyone must do is call out their name and they will soon be on their way. 

This world would be much better and less lonely if everyone experienced that level of friendship at one time or another. Everyone struggles at times in life, but having a friend to vent and talk to can make a world of difference. 

What a wonderful song about friendship. Luckily, there is One who is even better and more faithful than the person described in the Carole King song. God’s word mentions several times how He will never leave or forsake us, especially during our time of need.

Proverbs 18:24 “A man of many companions may be ruined, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

The late musician Jimmy Buffett, in his first appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, gave an inspired performance of his most popular and beloved hit, “Margaritaville.”

Many people who pick up a guitar or a microphone hope to make it big in the entertainment industry. However, only a select few manage to do it. Then, an even smaller number experience such success as a musician where they have a career spanning decades, winning over legions of fans. 

Jimmy was able to do both. He had a career across several decades and, with his iconic sound and style, picked up committed, rabid fans – Parrottheads, as they are known. 

In a clip posted on YouTube, Jimmy played “Margaritaville” on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Joined by two other gentlemen, Jimmy sang the memorable and iconic lyrics about sitting on the beach and enjoying everything it has to offer.

“Watchin’ the sun bake
All of you Parrotheads covered with oil
And feathers, and signs, and pins
Strummin’ my six string on my front porch swing”

At the end of his performance, the studio audience erupts in a thunderous round of applause. Jimmy then walks over and sits down for a discussion with the legendary comedian himself, Johnny Carson.

Johnny begins the conversation by asking Jimmy about his appearance on the iconic sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live. Oddly enough, this question from Johnny leads Jimmy to talk about breaking his leg. 

The “Margaritaville” singer stated that he had broken that same leg three times in one year. Jimmy also discussed some of the strange occurrences while touring, including weird plane travel and the places he’s stayed while out on the road.

After his short discussion with Johnny, Jimmy returns to the stage and gives another performance of “Stars Fell on Alabama.” This performance, Jimmy stated, was dedicated to his parents, which came a day before their 39th wedding anniversary.

Ephesians 5:19 “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;”

A woman in her early 60s showed off her stunning musical skills while performing a series of riffs on an electric guitar.

Most people want to use their life to accomplish things, to make something of themselves. However, that’s much easier said than done. In life, it’s hard to accomplish nearly anything of value without discipline, determination and thousands of hours of focused, intense practice. 

A clip posted on YouTube shows 61-year-old Paul Jo Taylor playing the guitar. It’s clear from the get-go that this grandmother of four has skills. The way in which her nimble fingers move up and down the guitar with ease is the product of hours and hours of practice. 

Due to the many instruments laid out and displayed on the table behind her, it appears she is possibly at a music/instrument-type convention. The clip likely shows Paula trying out one of the vendors’ guitars. 

At one point, very early in the clip, as she strums along the guitar, she seems to indicate that she’s pleased with the guitar. Paula looks up at the camera and gives her approval of the instrument.

“Very nice, very nice,” Paula says.

At the end of her short, impromptu performance, Paula receives a warm reception. There is a smattering of applause and cheering for this rocking grandmother. 

This woman truly does rock! In fact, according to the video’s description, she is a part of the rock duo the Taylors. Her daughter, Amanda, makes up the other part of the group. 

This 61-year-old grandmother of four, with her remarkable talent on the guitar, would be most people who would pick up a guitar to shame. She is outstanding! 

Paula proves that age really is just a number and does not have much of a bearing on our skills or abilities. If you have the drive and determination, most goals are achievable. 

James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no fickleness, neither shadow of turning.”

Popular singer-songwriter Andy Grammer joined a group of talented young vocalists and gave a terrific performance of a tune about looking beyond someone’s flaws.

There is not a person on the face of the earth who has never made a mistake. No one is perfect. Everyone has their issues, problems and faults. That’s why it’s so important and necessary to be able to look beyond someone’s failures and issues and see potential.

In a clip posted on YouTube, Andy Grammer played his tune “Good in Me” with the children of the PS22 Chorus serving as his background singers.

Prior to their joint performance, Andy explained the meaning of his song.

“This is called ‘Good in Me,’ which is all about seeing past peoples’ difficulties to what they actually want to be,” Andy said. “So, I’d say that applies for all of you.”

Andy strums along on the guitar and kicks off the performance by belting out the lyrics to the first verse. The song’s opening lyrics are about one person thanking and appreciating someone else for never giving up on them. Instead of seeing problems and instantly passing judgment, this special individual sees what this other person can become with a little love and grace. 

In the second verse, Andy continues to thank this other person for being patient and kind with him. He also mentions his fears of opening himself up to someone else.

“I’ve been afraid, been afraid if I open the door
That all of my pain will come out and roll out on the floor
And it did, and it does, but you still pick it up
You find a way to see, the good in me”

The children then join Andy for the beautiful chorus about seeing the good in someone else, looking past their flaws and failures.

What a wonderful song that includes all of humanity. Everyone has fallen, everyone has failed, and no one is perfect. All people need a little kindness, grace and mercy now and then.

James 2:13 “For the man who has had no mercy will be judged without mercy, but mercy takes pride in overcoming judging.”

Singer Oliver Anthony has gone from a virtually unknown musician to a viral sensation and household name basically overnight thanks to the popularity of ‘Rich Men North of Richmond.”

Thanks to technology and social media, getting those 15 minutes of fame is much easier today than ever before thanks to the invention of Facebook and Twitter. With a few hundred retweets on X, the site formerly known as Twitter, and a couple dozen shares on Facebook, going viral can happen to anyone.

Country musician Oliver Anthony knows and understands how social media can transform someone’s life in a matter of days. His song “Rich Men North of Richmond” blew up on the many different social media platforms, earning millions of plays for his original tune.

Oliver’s tune has lyrics with a populist message about taxes and working long hours for little pay. He also mentions that the current state of the world is not optimal and wishes that he could simply wake up from the mess. 

“These rich men north of Richmond
Lord knows they all just wanna have total control
Wanna know what you think, wanna know what you do
And they don’t think you know, but I know what you do”

Initially, “Rich Men North of Richmond” was a song that many conservatives and those on the right side of the political spectrum latched onto as a kind of anthem. However, the song was not meant to be taken that way, according to Oliver Anthony.

In a clip that surfaced online after the massive popularity of the track, the singer-songwriter mentioned that “it’s aggravating seeing people on conservative news try to identify with me, like I’m one of them,” he said. 

He added, “It’s aggravating seeing certain musicians and politicians act like we’re buddies and act like we’re fighting the same struggle here.”

Ephesians 5:19 “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord:” 

Listen and be mesmerized by the voices of a mother and grandmother as they sing a chilling lullaby to their beautiful baby girl in an empty stairwell!

Mom is 29-year-old Lauren Paley. She’s a model, songwriter, vlogger, entrepreneur, musician, and artist, but it is her YouTube and TikTok videos in which she sings from stairwells that have earned her a huge following on social media. 

Stairwell singing may seem unusual, but Lauren Paley has made it a real thing! With 2.36 million subscribers to her YouTube channel and 226 videos, nearly all coming from a flight of stairs, Lauren’s vocal gifts and Boston Conservatory at Berklee education have made her a viral soprano sensation.   

Here, Lauren recreates a video she’d done with her mother over a year ago when she was expecting her child. Now, with a toddler in tow, she and her mother meet again on the stairs to sing “All the Pretty Little Horses.” 

Wearing denim and chambray, sneakers, and a couple of hair bows, three generations share this music-making moment. And, though the gray cement stairs seem cold, the warmth and love between the trio are obvious. The littlest lady moves her free foot with the music and touches her grandmother’s watch. She’s quite content.

While Lauren is known as the “Stairwell Siren,” her gorgeous mother has a great voice as well. She balances Lauren’s high notes with alto tones, and the two harmonize wonderfully. The stairwell sound is mystical and dreamy, at the same time eerie and soothing. 

Lauren sings a variety of songs, sometimes serenading little ones with lullabies about “dapples and grays, pintos and paints” and other times scaring the neighbors with songs straight out of horror movies.  

It seems quite likely that the equine-themed lullaby might put Baby Girl to sleep, but Mom and Grandma have other ideas. Alas, it isn’t bedtime yet. Instead, the three clap and rejoice when the song is complete. We bet there will be lots of daughter-mom-grandmother videos to come! 

“May your father and mother rejoice; may she who gave you birth be joyful!” Proverbs 23:25

Two musically gifted teenagers put on a stunning street performance of a beloved hit from the 1960s, “Stand by Me.”

Life is full of unexpected occurrences, many of which can cause one to stumble and fall. These situations are painful, hurt and ones that people would rather avoid altogether. While it may not be possible to circumvent those instances, a trusted ally or friend can make these times much more bearable.

Teenage musician Oscar Stembridge joins violinist Karolina Protsenko for a beautiful cover of a tune about enduring those tough and trying times with the help of friends and loved ones, “Stand by Me.”

Oscar plays the guitar and sings the lyrics of the beloved classic as Karolina plays her violin and dances about the busy street, entertaining their sizable crowd. 

The two talented musicians take turns showing off their immeasurable skills. The song begins with Oscar belting out the lyrics to the first verse while Karolina takes over “singing” duties for the second one. As she plays, you can hear the memorable lyrics in your head. 

“So darlin’, darlin’ stand by me
Oh, stand by me
Oh, stand
Stand by me, stand by me”

During their inspired street performance, several people stop and take in the beautiful sounds being created by the two young musicians. The video captures several audience members filming Oscar and Karolina’s outstanding rendition. Near the clip’s conclusion, one young woman even dances around to the sweet sounds. 

Karolina Protsenko is a wunderkind on the violin. Videos of the young woman strumming expertly on the stringed instrument have received millions of views, earning her legions of subscribers on her YouTube channel. 

In the clip, Oscar shows that he has been abundantly blessed with a massive amount of musical ability as well. 

Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

Check out this great music video of Dolly Parton performing 'We Are The Champions/We Will Rock You' in honor of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“I've paid my dues, time after time. I've done my sentence but committed no crime
And bad mistakes, I've made a few, I've had my share of sand kicked in my face
But I've come through, and we mean to go on and on and on and on. We are the champions,
My friends and we'll keep on fighting till the end; we are the champions, we are the champions”

As Dolly Parton starts singing the chorus of ‘We Are The Champions,’ she is all decked out in gold with the image of the Eiffel Tower behind her. Then she can be seen in a silver outfit and a bronze outfit, reminiscent of the medals the Olympic athletes can receive when they place 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in their sport.

While Dolly is giving her powerful rendition of 'We Are The Champions,’ scenes of athletes competing at previous Olympic games show on the screen. There are runners, swimmers, gymnasts, all sorts of athletes competing in different sports, and it is very moving to see.

Then people join Dolly in the stands, and towards the end of the song, they join her in singing 'We Are The Champions.’ What a very unifying moment! Then the crowd goes into singing ‘We Will Rock You’ alongside Dolly before the 2024 Paris Olympics logo comes on the screen.

“I don’t think there’s a song that Dolly can not sing and make me love the song all over again. You are a champion, Dolly!” comments one person on YouTube after watching the music video.

“With her voice, she can melt a hard-hearted person. Such a blessing to hear her sing!” writes another person online. “Thanks Dolly. I’ve been enjoying your music for nearly 5 decades. Keep up the amazing work!”

We hope that you enjoyed this mashup of 'We Are The Champions/We Will Rock You' from Dolly Parton today!