In her formative years, the American poet Emily Dickinson’s interests centered on the study of voice and especially piano, for which she displayed considerable accomplishment and ambition. Her correspondence supplies the background for these activities while the contents of her music book provides a revealing perspective on just how assiduously and enthusiastically she collected, listened…
Thumbs up, America!
Music has always played a major role in U.S. political campaigns – Sarah Palin had Heart’s Barracuda and Bill Clinton had Fleetwood Mac’s Don’t stop. However, long before television commercials, songs espousing a candidate’s platform were vital to spreading the candidate’s message and increasing their popularity. In 1876, Rutherford B. Hayes beat Samuel J….
Raise your glass to Champagne Charlie!
Who is Charlie?? He drinks all day, gets into trouble with his friends at night, and won’t settle down with one woman because he’s addicted to champagne! Champagne Charlie was composed by Alfred Lee in the 19th-century British music hall scene. Music hall involved a mixture of popular songs, comedy, speciality acts, and variety entertainment. …