By: Ann Ramsey
Research has shown that music has the power to improve the physical, mental, and emotional health of individuals. Music has been proven to help people stay socially connected, slow the decline of dementia, decrease fatigue, lower anxiety, and improve overall well-being.
How often have you heard a song that brings sadness, happiness, or fond memories? Since the beginning of time, people have used music to express themselves or their beliefs. Music is so much more than just words or sounds. It touches the very soul of listeners.
In Biblical times, King David, often referred to as “sweet psalmist of Israel,” wrote seventy-five psalms of the Bible, using poems and songs to express his human emotions and his relationship with God. Even in these present times, the Psalms continue to mold and encourage people’s faith.
For generations, mothers have used songs and music to comfort and teach their children. Lullabies crooned softly, lulled cranky children into blissful sleep. The “ABC” song and the “Number” song have taught countless children their ABCs and counting.
Teachers use repetitive music in the classroom to help children memorize. Short, rhyming songs not only teach but break up the monotony in the classroom. Saying the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag, the Christian flag, and the Bible is still allowed in Christian schools. A song follows each pledge. These songs are etched into their formative minds, hopefully building a sense of pride in our country and God.
Music has evolved at a rapid pace. For instance, in 1925, the Jazz Age dominated the music. Artists such as Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington were making a name for themselves, while the newest dance craze, the “Charleston,” was sweeping the country.
1935 ushered in the popularity of “Swing Jazz.” Big bands led by the likes of Benny Goodman and Duke Ellington were dominating the dance floors. An unknown Frank Sinatra made his debut, first singing with the Hoboken Four, and then later as a soloist. The radio show “Your Hit Parade” launched and was used to measure song popularity through radio playtime, record sales, and sheet music sales.
1945 provided big bands and pop-style music. Radios blasted such songs as “Don’t Fence Me In” by Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters, and “Till the End of Time” by Perry Como. To boost deployed troops’ morale, the United Service Organization was created in 1941. Famous singers and performers who toured with the USO included Bob Hope, The Andrews Sisters, Bing Crosby, Marlene Dietrich, and Frank Sinatra.
1955 saw the rise of rock and roll with artists such as Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Bill Haley& His Comets. Genres included country, rhythm and blues, and doo-wop.
1965 brought the “British Invasion,” with bands such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Motown was promoting its own artists, such as The Temptations and The Four Tops. Folk-rock surfaced with The Byrds and Simon & Garfunkel.
In 1975, we had disco, punk, reggae, classic pop, country, metal, and everything in between. You could sit at home with your “pet rock” and listen to the radio for your choice of musical entertainment.
Fast forward fifty years to 2025, and with the help of Sirius radio, you can listen to any genre. Sirius offers stations dedicated to every genre. You can take a walk down memory lane with the oldies but goodies or find a country station with all your favorite artists. You can download music from streaming services to create your own playlist.
Whatever your genre, let the music entertain and heal you.
Ann Ramsey, Foothills Writers Guild