Music

A group of musically talented youngsters performed a stunning rendition of Lee Greenwood’s hit “God Bless the USA.”

The Fourth of July is typically when Americans celebrate the formation of the United States of America and recognize all the privileges and rights of being an American citizen. How Americans recognize the holiday will vary, but fireworks, watermelon and hamburgers are usually involved.

Song playlists around the Fourth of July usually turn extremely patriotic as well. “America the Beautiful” by Ray Charles, Neil Diamond’s “America” and “American Soldier” by Toby Keith are all popular selections come the first of July. However, no song celebrating America, released within the last 30 years or so, has reached the popularity of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.”

In a clip posted on YouTube, The Cotton Pickin’ Kids performed “God Bless the USA.” The young performers cover the patriotic tune adding their typical Bluegrass sound and many instruments.   

“And I’m proud to be an American
Where at least I know I’m free
And I won’t forget the men who died 
Who gave that right to me”

All the children are immensely talented, showing their expertise on their particular instrument. In a song that is only a little over 3 minutes long, the children divide the musical responsibilities well, giving each their moment in the sun.

Yes, they all play an instrument, but they are all given an opportunity to showcase their vocal talents. At different times throughout the song, each member of the Cotton Pickin’ Kids steps up to the microphone to belt out the lyrics to the Lee Greenwood classic.

The Cotton Pickin’ Kids’ performance is a different and fresh take on the song that is beloved by many. It’s certainly more of a Bluegrass, country-type cover than the original. 

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’s beautiful rendition of a classic song from the 1960s had her massive audience in awe.

Covering songs from other artists is a fantastic way for up-and-coming musicians to get attention. By singing songs a majority of the population already knows, people are more likely to stop and at least give a musician’s performance a few moments of their time. But even then, the musician likely only has seconds to convince an audience member of their talent and skill.

In a clip posted on YouTube, Allie Sherlock performed The Righteous Brothers’ beloved song “Unchained Melody” on the streets of Dublin. As the video shows, her beautiful voice and strumming on the guitar won her quite the audience as she performed the familiar song.

Allie, simply by using her voice, gives the song a completely different sound from the original. She has a distinct Irish, folky sound, which works perfectly, making the Righteous Brothers’ song her own. 

Then around the 1-minute mark in the clip, the young woman shows off the strength of her voice. She reaches back and unexpectedly hits and holds high notes. 

As mentioned, Allie’s performance won her a massive crowd. In the early portions of the clip, as Allie is playing, several people can be seen walking behind her. A handful of people completely stop, take in the young woman’s performance and then move along. But then, around the 1:30 minute mark, the camera swings around and shows how many people are watching the free concert.

The street in front of Allie is packed with people either sitting or standing, crowding around, taking in the beautiful sounds coming from the talented performer. Her crowd size is surprising but not surprising at the same time.

Normally, not many people stop everything they are doing and take in someone playing on the street. But when they sound like Allie, it makes perfect sense why someone would do so. 

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

A group of gifted men combined their immense musical abilities and turned in a remarkable rendition of a song about facing trying situations and circumstances.

Unfortunately, life is not all sunshine, rainbows and puppies. In fact, a small percentage of life is pure, overwhelming joy. Yes, everyone will experience happiness, contentment and glee-filled periods. But sadness, grief, stress and worry are real and present in our world, which puts a damper on life. 

However, the attitude and temperament of an individual when facing these trying times can make all the difference in the world. Negative attitudes and actions can help to exacerbate an already difficult situation. 

Instead, as the members of the Johns’ Boys Male Choir sing in a clip posted on YouTube, stay positive and unafraid in those instances. The men give a beautiful performance of “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

The song’s opening verse gives straightforward and clear instructions on how to deal with life’s many storms. 

“When you walk through a storm
Hold your head up high
And don’t be afraid of the dark”

Later in the song, the male singers encourage those dealing with trying situations to meet them head-on and without backing down. The singers encourage listeners to walk on through both the winds and the rain in life. 

As seen in the video, the choir is practicing in a barn of some type, which they mentioned in their appearance on Britain’s Got Talent. 

Much like their clip in the barn, the guys knocked it out of the park on BGT. They received four yes votes for their stunning audition.  

While it may, at times, feel, while amid a battle, or a storm, that you’re alone. That’s not the case. God’s Word mentions that He will never leave or forsake us during our time of need. But in those times He will remain the closest, guiding and protecting.

Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and take heart, and have no fear of them: for it is the Lord your God who is going with you; he will not take away his help from you.”

A handful of vocalists, the Gospel Convicts, sang an old, classic and beloved tune about reaching their eternal home.

Christians understand that Earth is only a temporary stop. This often dark, dangerous place where sin has wrecked is not the final destination. Heaven is the eternal home for the believers and followers of Jesus Christ.

The Gospel Convicts, in a video posted on YouTube, provide their rendition of the song “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.” It’s a fantastic and toe-tapping cover of the tune that most know and love about heading on to heaven. 

The 5-member group, while staying true to the original sound and feel of the song, does add a twist, making it their own. After singing the opening verse, the group changes the song's tempo a bit. It’s more of an upbeat version, which works extremely well. 

“I looked over Jordan and what did I see
Coming for to carry me home
I saw a band of angels coming after me
Coming for to carry me home”

Others commented on the YouTube video and mentioned how much they enjoyed The Gospel Convicts’ version of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.”

“The most beautiful rendition of this song that I have ever heard. May the Lord continue to bless each one of you today and always,” one person wrote.

“That was so good!!! Thank you and GOD bless,” a second person added.

“Y’all are Dang good singing. That was truly Amazing. Thank you very much for sharing this with all of us,” someone else posted.

According to their YouTube channel, The Gospel Convicts is made up of a “group of friends that met during a Bluegrass music camp in summer 2022.”

Revelation 21:4 “And he will put an end to all their weeping, and there will be no more death, or sorrow, or crying, or pain; for the first things have come to an end.”

One young man used his musical talents to provide those undergoing trying circumstances with some relief and comfort.

Troubles inevitably find their way to everyone. However, as the old saying goes, when it rains, it pours. When something goes wrong or not as intended, there is seemingly often a multiplying and compounding effect. One situation leads to another and then another, resulting in a disaster of a day.

Live long enough, and you’ll have a bad day. Unfortunately, those occurrences will take place multiple times throughout a typical lifetime. But one young man, understanding that bad days happen every now and then, tried to do something about it.

The short clip posted on YouTube begins with a young musician standing on the sidewalk, holding a sign with an odd message. The sign reads, “Stand here if you had a bad day.”

A middle-aged woman walks up as she reads the young man’s sign aloud.

“Stand here if you’ve had a bad day,” she said. “Wow! Yep, had a bad day.”

She then steps forward and stands in the middle of a blue circle on the sidewalk. The young man then ditches his sign and surprises the woman as he picks up a guitar and begins singing.

He then sings a few uplifting and encouraging lines about holding on, that the sun still shines despite her present situation. While things may look bad now, he sings that life changes every moment and warns her against complacency. 

The woman thoroughly appreciated the young man’s efforts to encourage and uplift her. It was a message she desperately needed to hear.

“You have no idea how I needed to hear that today,” she said. “Thank you.” 

The two strangers share a warm and loving embrace. Before the clip ends, the musician wishes the woman a much better rest of her day. 

Ephesians 4:32 “And be kind to one another, full of pity, having forgiveness for one another, even as God in Christ had forgiveness for you.”

One musically gifted young woman, Tiffany Alvord, used the memories of her late father to create a touching and moving song.

Fathers are men tasked by God with raising the next generation. All children require guidance and protection growing up. Children are learning how to maneuver and find their way in the world. A father is a kind, loving and trusted individual who teaches and gives sage advice and words of wisdom throughout life’s many stages. 

When that person has passed away and is no longer around to give advice or act as a shoulder to cry on, there is a massive void. Singer-songwriter Tiffany Alvord, who lost her father, looked back on the precious time she had with her dad in the heartfelt song “Daddy’s Little Girl.”

The video for the song opens with Tiffany sitting on the porch while singing about her father giving her driving lessons when she was just 5 years old. The next line is about spending time with her father, watching 60 Minutes in the garage following her gymnastics class. 

In the song’s chorus, Tiffany sings how despite losing her father, she will always remain “daddy’s little girl.”

I’ll always be your girl
I’ve got your sense of humor
And your blue eye wonder
Cause I’m daddy’s little girl”

In addition to the heartrending, tear-jerking lyrics, the video’s visuals are enough to make plenty of people shed a tear or two. As Tiffany sings the song, she looks on as a father and his young daughter reenact the memories she mentions in her tune. 

Life can be cruel, putting wonderful and caring people in our lives and then needlessly taking them away. That’s why time is such a precious and valuable commodity. No one knows how much time they have, so using it to make memories with the ones who matter most should always be the highest concern and priority.

Psalm 103:13 “Like a father has compassion on his children, so Yahweh has compassion on those who fear him.”

A large group of musically gifted young men gave a dazzling performance of one of Disney’s most recognizable and iconic songs, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” 

The Walt Disney Company, during its nearly 100 years in existence, has produced dozens of memorable flicks featuring beloved characters such as Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy. With those films have also come classic and toe-tapping hit tunes like “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from “Toy Story” and “A Whole New World” from 1992’s “Aladdin.”

Arguably Disney’s most adored animated feature film of all time, the Oscar-winning “The Lion King,” also has a handful of classic songs, including “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” In a clip posted on YouTube, The Boys’ Choir Daglielis gave a unique rendition of the beloved track. 

The nearly 4-minute clip begins with approximately two dozen or so young men standing on the stage waiting for their cue to begin. Once they do, it’s a musical experience that instantly transports you to the jungle. 

The guy men begin snapping their fingers, likely to imitate the sound of a tropical rainstorm. But then things get even more interesting when the young men start making animal sounds, which are 100 percent spot on. There are monkeys, birds and elephant sounds coming from the talented young men. All of this takes place before they sing a note.

The guys slowly ease into the song with the animal sounds still going and reverberating. From that point forward, it’s a stunning, pitch-perfect cover of the track from “The Lion King.” However, they never entirely neglect the animal noises. A monkey, an elephant or a bird will squawk periodically throughout the song. 

It really is a dazzling display, showcasing the beautiful and unique sounds the human voice can make. 

As is to be expected following such a remarkable display of musical ability, the audience joins together for a thunderous 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 young woman’s stunning performance of the song “You Are the Reason” has gone viral, racking up millions of views.

Love is a subject that has and continues to keep songwriters and musicians busy. Whether a track about new love, a breakup or the loss of a loved one, songs about love are churned out at an impressive rate. While music tastes and sounds may change, society's yearning for love and to be loved does not.

In a video posted to YouTube, Mia Black, a young woman, while standing in the middle of a busy, tourist-filled location, steps up to the microphone and sings Calum Scott’s “You Are the Reason.” 

Seconds into the video, after belting out the tune's opening lyrics, one thing is clear: Mia is abundantly and enormously musically gifted. The video’s title describes the young woman as being 12 years old, but her voice sounds like it is coming from someone many years her senior. 

The clip of Mia’s breathtaking vocal performance, since posted in 2019, has been watched more than 9.3 million times! 

It’s not hard to see why the video has gotten so many eyeballs. The tone, control and strength of Mia’s voice are startling. She sounds like a seasoned professional, like someone who has been performing for many years. Other people walking by Mia also seem genuinely taken aback by her stunning voice as well.

Several people stand around Mia, taking in her astounding performance. Even those who do not entirely stop, those passing by, give a glance at the talented street performer.

At the conclusion of the 3-minute clip, Mia receives a hearty round of applause. 

This young woman has been truly blessed musically with a wonderful voice.

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 group of gifted bluegrass musicians performed a beloved song made famous by The Judds, “Grandpa, Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Old Days.”

Communication, and its many forms, have a massive impact on everyday life. Through those many different methods of communication, people all over the world can send and post messages, filled with statements, questions, and even promises. However, it might feel that while communication and technology are progressing, it’s not always for the best.

Promises made in those text messages, on social media and even in face-to-face conversations are not always kept. Someone’s words used to mean their bond, holding themselves to that, but others would argue that has since gone by the wayside.

In a video posted on YouTube, Southern Raised, a “family band from the Ozark Mountains,” beautifully performs “Grandpa, Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Old Days.” 

While strumming on the guitar, one young man belts out the lyrics about times past with his surprisingly deep voice. He is joined by other musicians – a banjo player, a woman on the violin and another woman on the string bass guitar. The three other musicians lend their vocal talents to the song’s memorable and heartbreaking chorus. 

As the title indicates, the entire song is a conversation between a grandchild and a grandfather. The grandchild, who has obviously been hurt by a series of broken promises in their life, wants answers. They want to know about a time period when people kept their promises and when their words meant something.

“Grandpa, tell me ‘bout the good old days
Sometimes it feels like this world’s gone crazy
Grandpa, take me back to yesterday
When the line between right and wrong 
Didn’t seem so hazy”

It’s a beautiful but heartbreaking song with lyrics written by someone obviously in pain at the time. Broken promises hurt and can leave deep scars, which the song indicates. 

Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope that it waver not; for he is faithful that promised.”

One young woman, Karolina Protensko, gave a stunning performance of “Flowers,” a hit song by Miley Cyrus.

The ability to sing and play instruments, creating beautiful music, is one of the many blessings and gifts God bestows upon people. Those people, when they put those musical gifts to work and play for others to hear, use those talents as God intended. Music is one of life’s many blessings. 

Karolina shared her musical gifts and expertise on the violin for many to hear in a video posted on YouTube. She puts on a free concert in what appears to be a shopping district filled with tourists.

The clip begins right after Karolina just finished another song. She takes a bow as the crowd watching the performance gives her a nice round of applause. However, seconds later, the young woman is off and quickly begins playing another tune: “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus.

Anyone familiar with the song will immediately recognize the tune from Karolina’s expert playing on the violin. As she plays, she dances around and smiles and does so all throughout the performance. It’s clear to anyone watching that Karolina is amazingly gifted with the stringed instrument and thoroughly enjoys playing.

But as the video perfectly illustrates, she is not the only one who enjoys the beautiful sounds emanating from the violin. Many people have formed a circle around Karolina as they stand and take in the free concert.

At the 38-second mark of the clip, one man even begins strutting his stuff, showing off his best moves while Karolina plays the instrument. Then around 1 minute and 30 seconds into the video, two other people are so moved by the music that they also start grooving along to the beat.

The crowd gives the young woman a well-deserved round of applause for her inspired and breathtaking instrumental cover of the hit from Miley Cyrus. 

Psalm 95:1 “O come, let us make songs to the Lord; sending up glad voices to the Rock of our salvation.”

American Idol winner Iam Tongi has released the official lyric music video to his heartbreaking song about his late father, “I’ll Be Seeing You.”

This past season of American Idol was brimming with gifted musicians. Megan Danielle, Wé Ani, Warren Peay, Zachariah Smith and Oliver Steele were just a few of the handful of talented contestants that could have easily gone on to win the top stop. 

However, there was one contestant who consistently stood out among the rest with his sweet, soulful voice and excellent song selection. Iam Tongi, a young man from Hawaii, won many hearts and votes with his often touching, tear-jerking performances, eventually winning American Idol's season 23. 

Throughout the season, Iam mentioned his late father's impact on his life and his love of music. The pain and emotion he put into each and every performance would often move the judges and the studio audience to tears. In a video posted on YouTube, Iam is back with another tear-inducing performance. 

The unique official lyric video, accompanying the heart-wrenching lyrics, is made to look like a family photo album. The video moves from picture to picture of Iam and his father as the song’s lyrics appear below, above or to the side of the photos.

The song’s opening verse hits listeners right in the heart. Iam beautifully sings about the aspects of his father that will remain with him forever.

“All your wits
All of your laughs
Your grin
Will stay in my heart”

Losing a loved one, especially someone as close as a father, is never easy. It’s a loss that will always hurt but as the lyrics mention those precious memories and treasured moments with that person will remain with us forever.

Revelation 21:4 “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

A group of gifted male musicians, using only their voices, give a stunning performance of a song about a beloved Disney villain, Cruella de Vil.

The Walt Disney Company has produced dozens of memorable films and characters during its 100 years as a company. Characters such as Donald Duck, Goofy, Buzz Lightyear and Mickey Mouse are loved and adored by everyone. In addition to their protagonists, Disney films have given us several iconic villains.

Ursula from “The Little Mermaid,” the Queen of Hearts from “Alice in Wonderland” and Scar from “The Lion King” are just a few of those characters we love to hate. Another character, while evil but still beloved by many, is Cruella de Vil. The character even got her own film a few years back, with Emma Stone as the Disney villain. 

In a clip posted to YouTube, several gentlemen reimagine the classic track about the villain from “101 Dalmatians.” The guys give a toe-tapping a cappella rendition of the song named after the Disney villain obsessed with the black and white dogs. 

The clip begins with Cruella menacingly striding through a warehouse as her employees do everything they can to avoid making eye contact with her. Cruella snaps her fingers, stopping everyone in their tracks. Their fantastic a cappella rendition then gets underway.

The song’s opening lyrics set the tone, informing listeners that avoidance is best when it comes to Cruella. I mean, the word "devil" is literally in her name.

“Cruella de Vil
Cruella de Vil
If she doesn’t scare you
No evil thing will”

The young men’s vocal performances are outstanding. However, the video’s production value is equally as impressive. The costumes, stages, choreography and camera work are all top-notch. It’s simply an all-around very well-produced video. 

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.”

Two incredibly talented musicians joined forces for a sweet song about love, sacrifice and their fathers.

Dolly Parton has been making music and appearing in films and on television for decades. Her talent and knack for creating sweet, touching and toe-tapping hit music is apparent. No one will ever be able to forget such classics as “Jolene,” 9 to 5,” “Islands in the Stream” and “Here You Come Again.” 

This time Dolly joined fellow musician Jewel for “My Father’s Daughter.” The official video, posted on YouTube, begins with a quote from Jewel about her family.

“My family didn’t have heirlooms. We had songs,” the quote reads.

The next scene is an old home video of a young girl, who is likely Jewel as a child, yodeling and laughing on stage as an older man, probably her father, plays the guitar. The man eventually looks into the audience and remarks, “I think if she’d quit laughing, she’d do just fine.”

The rest of the video is a combination of Jewel walking through picturesque wintry settings and old home movies of a large but loving family. It’s clear from the lyrics and the video’s imagery that this song is very personal to Jewel.

Jewel sings the first song’s verse and the first go-through on the chorus. Dolly then joins in on the second verse of the beautiful tune.

With this moving song, Dolly and Jewel both recognize what their fathers and other members of their family did so that they could enjoy a better life.

“I am my father’s daughter
I have his eyes
I am the product of his sacrifice
I am the accumulation of the dreams of generations”

Fathers are men entrusted with an enormous task: raising the next generation. Their words and actions in and outside the home will have a massive impact on that child or children’s life. They are to set an example of how to live a good, honest and God-fearing life.

Ephesians 6:4 And, you father, do not make your children angry: but give them training in the teaching and fear of the Lord.”

If you adored the movie, you will fall in love with this video when Valley Rock Voices sing ‘I Will Follow Him’ from the Sister Act film. If you want to hear a choir that has an explosive groundbreaking wall of sound paired with foot-tapping tunes, you’ll appreciate their rendition of ‘I Will Follow Him.’

Valley Rock Voices is a contemporary choir based out of South Wales. It was born six years ago under the direction of director Cervys Bevan and boasts 200 members. With that many voices, it’s no wonder they have an impressive octave range. The video begins in a somber fashion as they begin to sing, and they sound like a heavenly choir. It seems as if they are ending the song, but the piano beat picks up and we know what will happen next. The choir begins their version of the song from the Sister Act. You can’t help but smile and tap your foot along to the music. The choir begins to dance as they sing and the nostalgia of the song brings us back to the moment in the 1992 film, Sister Act. This film became an overnight sensation and brought in over #231 million. 

Whoopi Goldberg stars as Delores who disappointed the nuns when she was in school. 24 years later, she is singing in Las Vegas when she becomes a key witness to a crime. Overnight, she is put under witness protection and is brought back to Saint Katherine's Parish. Sadly, the neighborhood has gone downhill and the choir itself is also struggling. When Reverend Mother discovers Dolores can sing, Mother insists Dolores take over the choir as the director. Begrudgingly Dolores accepts but she decides to put her own spin on worship music. She mixes gospel music with modern-day hits and brings life back into the choir.

Rock Valley Voices absolutely knocked this song out of the park. You can’t help but get up and say, “Praise the Lord. I will follow you forever and always.” 

As they were walking along, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go,” Luke 9:57. 

Remember our fallen heroes as you watch Jo Dee Messina sing “Heaven Was Needing a Hero.” 

Ms. Messina performed the beautiful tribute during a National Memorial Day Concert held in Washington, D.C. The annual concert has become a tradition, first taking place over 30 years ago in 1989. Aired on PBS, instead of streaming channels that require subscriptions, this year’s event featured a variety of musical guests, actors, and others, including Trace Adkins, Megan Hilty, Joe Mantegna, Mary McCormack, Gary Sinise, and more.

Jo Dee sings the song she first released on her 2010 album, Unmistakable Inspiration. She wrote the ballad after the death of the first female American soldier in the Iraqi War, and “If Heaven Was Needing A Hero” has been played in honor of many soldiers lost in battle since that time.   

Dressed in black and silver, Ms. Messina is elegant, respectful, and somber as she pays tribute to America’s military heroes. And, while she sings, film clips and photographs tell the stories of loss and grief, service and sacrifice. 

At 1:15, the first set of scenes begins. We see caskets being loaded into hearses, cemetery stones with birthdates of those too young to have been lost, children and wives in anguish, and American flags folded and passed to surviving parents or draped over a hero’s final resting place. The video shows individuals in the audience. Many are teary-eyed, moved by her lyrics, and too familiar with the feelings they convey. 

At 3:03, the second set of images fills the screen. This time, there are videos and photos of soldiers from past generations. Survivors pay tribute on battlefields and beaches, and veterans who have grown old weep for their brothers taken so many years ago. One kisses a war memorial; another runs an aged hand over a wall of names. The bonds these soldiers have formed are unlike any others. 

You may have noticed a tattoo on the inside of Jo Dee’s right arm. While it’s hard to be certain, it looks like it is a scripture reference—Psalms 3:16 written with a perpendicular line that forms a cross. Ms. Messina has dealt with trials of her own, most notably a cancer diagnosis in 2017 and the treatment that followed. She shared that it was a front porch visit from Jesus Christ that saved her.    

Heartache and pain will find every one of us, but it sure is a blessing when we have found Him first!

“These are the last words of David: “The inspired utterance of David son of Jesse, the utterance of the man exalted by the Most High, the man anointed by the God of Jacob, the hero of Israel’s songs:” 2 Samuel 23:1

One man used only the power of his voice and the help of technology to give a stirring rendition of The Righteous Brothers’ classic “Unchained Melody.”

Technology touches nearly every area of our lives. Technological advances in the medical field have allowed doctors and nurses to provide patients with better care. Cell phones are constantly becoming more sophisticated, with every version of the iPhone better than the last. Car manufacturers now have vehicles that run solely on electricity.

However, one man used technology to show off his musical ability. Jared Halley created a video of himself singing every part of the beloved song “Unchained Melody,” the 1960s song first made popular by The Righteous Brothers.

In the video posted on YouTube, which is divided into four rows, each consisting of four small boxes, Jared shows himself on the screen in multiple places. The young man either sings or dances around in each of the boxes. 

Jared beautifully sings every single part of the song. Thanks to audio, video recording and editing technology, Jared can match his voice perfectly…with himself. 

The young man is musically gifted and has a firm grasp of technology. Making such a video would take quite a bit of time. He would have to record himself singing each part of the song and then edit it together. It would likely be a painstaking process. But it was probably a labor of love for the young man. 

He genuinely seems to have enjoyed himself while recording the video. Throughout the nearly 4-minute clip, Jared can be spotted dancing around in several of the video’s 16 squares. 

This isn’t the only song that Jared has performed in a similar way.  In fact, he has done the same thing for dozens of memorable tunes. Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline,” Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling” by REO Speedwagon are only a few of the songs Jared has performed.

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

Four skilled musicians showed off their talent and nimble fingers as they strummed along and played a highly recognized piece of classical music.

Classical music isn’t a genre that most people listen to while driving down the road or running on the treadmill. However, most people are still familiar with names like Ludwig van Beethoven, Antonio Vivaldi and Johann Sebastian Bach. Classic music, often from one of the previously mentioned gentlemen, will pop up in movies and TV shows from time to time. 

Another composer most at least have a passing familiarity with is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Some likely even know a little bit of his work, including Figaro’s Overture, which the group 40 Fingers recently played live.

In a video posted on YouTube, the talented quartet sits on a darkened stage as they rock out in front of what appears to be a packed auditorium. Each group member expertly plays their instrument, never missing a note. Their skilled fingers dance up and down their guitars at a breakneck pace.

At the conclusion of their performance, the audience gives the guys a well-deserved round of applause. It’s an awe-inspiring display of talent.

But classical music isn’t the only genre of music the four men play. In other videos on their YouTube channel, they play everything from Dire Straits’ “Sultans of Swing,” “Fade to Black” by Metallica, ABBA’s “Mamma Mia” and the main theme song from the Star Wars films. 

The guys can simply play it all. When you have talent like these four gentlemen you are not limited by genre, only by your imagination. 

The group 40 Fingers is made up of four acoustic guitarists, who all have different musical backgrounds, according to the About section of their YouTube channel. 

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.”

Some customers in a Los Angeles-area coffee shop were treated to an unexpected performance from American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson.

American Idol is a program that has been on for decades and is still going strong. The popular show has produced some of the biggest names in music today. Adam Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Iam Tongi and Scotty McCreery are just some of the people who have come from the show.

However, arguably, the person most often affiliated with American Idol is Kelly Clarkson, the winner of the show’s first season. Since her time on Idol, Kelly has gone on to sell millions of albums, become a coach on The Voice, host a daytime TV talk show and even starred in movies and TV shows.

But this time, Kelly’s latest appearance wasn’t on the silver screen, the small screen or even on stage. No, instead, Kelly put her beautiful voice on full display inside a coffee shop, according to a video posted on YouTube.

Kelly, wearing a long dark green dress with floral patterns, stands in front of the shop’s registers as she sings out beautifully. But she wasn’t the only one singing. The video states the “Miss Independent” singer was joined by a six-person choir!

In the video, a few people can be seen standing around the “Since U Been Gone” crooner with their phones out, recording the show. 

The unbelievable and fantastic performance apparently lasted for about a minute and a half. Following the impromptu concert, the video shows Kelly approaching the counter and asking for a vanilla latte.

I guess you can really never be too sure what the day will bring. Who knows, maybe Carrie Underwood will show up at your local Kroger one day and sing in the candy aisle. Probably not, but you never know.

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 heavy metal singer used his voice to give a stunning performance of a Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel classic.

Musicians have been performing and covering songs by other artists since the invention of music and sound. YouTube is filled with videos of people playing and singing tracks originally made famous by other musicians. Covers, it’s safe to say, are here to stay.

One of the more popular choices for the cover treatment has been and is Simon and Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence.” The song, since its release nearly 60 years ago, in 1964, has been heard by millions. It’s one of those tunes that most people recognize within the first couple of notes.

Dan Vasc, a talented singer whose voice sounds like it was made for heavy metal music, gives “The Sound of Silence” the cover treatment. Dan’s version, of course, is a much more modern-sounding rendition when compared to the folk original version. 

Dan, who obviously has a strong voice, shows off his immense musical talent throughout the video. While standing at a microphone, Dan belts out the iconic lyrics about loneliness. While his version is enjoyable and pleasant to listen to, he really kicks things up a notch about halfway through the video.

At approximately the 2:45-minute mark in the clip, Dan lets loose and shows off his voice, injecting the lyrics with much emotion and feeling. From that point forward, Dan uses the power of his voice to make the classic song his own.

What an outstanding, surprising and beautiful version of the classic song from Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel.

This isn’t the first time Dan has given a beloved song a different feel and sound. In another video on his YouTube channel, he gave the hymn “Amazing Grace” the heavy metal treatment. 

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.”

Dozens of musically gifted children turned in an impressive performance of a hit song by The Pretenders.

Hard times will visit everyone at one time or another. Going through life without experiencing at least some adversity, tragic or devastating circumstances is a near impossibility. However, having a steadfast, trustworthy friend or significant other by your side as it is happening can make all the difference in the world. 

In a video posted on YouTube, the One Voice Children’s Choir performs a song, originally from The Pretenders, about sticking by someone through thick and thin. “I’ll Stand by You” is about never deserting someone in their time of need and always being a comforting, calming presence during life’s storms and uncertainties. 

In the video, dozens of children stand on risers singing and moving along to the song as gentlemen on the guitar, keyboard, drums and bass play. Additionally, throughout the 4-minute video, several children step up to microphones and belt out the lyrics. 

The children’s rendition is a more upbeat and up-tempo version of the 1994 hit from The Pretenders. These children have all obviously been blessed with a ton of musical talent, which they all put on full display. 

On the About section of their YouTube channel, One Voice Children’s Choir, a nonprofit, states the organization’s “mission is to inspire the world through the power of children’s voices. 

In the video description for “I’ll Stand by You,” the organization mentions they identify with the lyrics in the Pretenders' hit.

“In a world that often feels divided, we resonate with this anthem of unity and support. Together we can stand strong, united and unstoppable.”

What a beautiful guiding message and lovely performance from all involved.

Isaiah 41:10 “Have no fear, for I am with you; do not be looking about in trouble, for I am your God; I will give you strength, yes, I will be your helper; yes, my true right hand will be your support.”