https://youtu.be/e65u8l52hR8?si=AZmnx4TqHkw7Ojbd
*My sister Joan and I would ‘cruise’ for hours listening to our fave music, which seemed to dovetail…Gene Pitney, Roy Orbison, Jerry Butler, Elvis, Buddy Holly, Aretha Franklin, etc. Here’s one of our favorites, Gene Pitney with ‘Every Breath I Take’ (a Phil Spector production). Joan would want to hear this one over and over. I couldn’t argue. it still brings chills today. Life could get rough, sometimes, but our love of music always helped bring Joan and me closer.
World Day of Music – June 21, 2024 (and also a chance to Celebrate my late sister on her birthday*):
Most of us have an innate understanding of music. Even if we can’t play an instrument, or even sing, somehow, we can connect with rhythms and melodies. Heck, even plants understand music. Did you know they tend to grow faster after a generous helping of classical music? It’s true. World Day of Music or Fête de la Musique, celebrated each June 21, was first started in France but today highlights music’s universal appeal. It’s meant to make music more inclusive and encourage people of varying skill levels to interact a lot more with all types of tunes. World Day of Music is also an opportunity for musicians to build their presence and connect with their audience on social media.
History of World Day of Music:
From the oldest musical instrument in the world — the Neanderthal flute, made by Neanderthals 60,000 years ago — to present-day electronic instruments, music has become a significant part of our daily lives. Other than being pleasant to listen to, music is a form of expression — the right melody resonates with feelings better than words can, and music transcends borders. This is exactly what World Day of Music aims for — bringing people together and breaking barriers and boundaries through music.
World Day of Music initially started in France. When Maurice Fleuret became the Director of Music and Dance at the Ministry of Culture in October 1981, he applied his perspective on musical practice: “the music everywhere and the concert nowhere.” In a study written in 1982 on French cultural habits, Fleuret discovered that every one out of two people played a musical instrument. Inspired by this, he started thinking of a way to bring people together on the streets with music. This is how the first Day of Music, or ‘Fête de la Musique,’ took place in Paris in 1982.
Fête de la Musique promoted music in two ways: by encouraging new and professional musicians to perform in the streets and by organizing free music concerts, covering all genres of music, so that the public could be exposed to new music. Under the slogan ‘Faites de la musique’ (‘Make music’), the official Fête de la Musique organization in Paris advocated for concerts to be made free to the public and that artists play free of charge. This was broadly applicable to other participating cities as well.
Over the past few years, the festival gained international popularity, eventually being celebrated by more than 120 countries around the world. The day evolved to finally become World Day of Music, World Music Day, or International Music Day.
World Day of Music Activities:
1 – Learn an instrument…
Don’t worry. Everyone’s a beginner at some point. Even Paul Simon had to start somewhere. Use this day as an excuse to sign up for lessons. Or teach yourself. There’s always YouTube.
2 – Create some homemade music…
Even if you can’t play a genuine instrument yet, grab some everyday household objects, get together with your friends, and jam away. The music-making process can be therapeutic.
3 – Discover new artists...
Go out of your way to explore new genres. Put your Spotify subscription to good use. Even better, go to your neighborhood record store (if you have one), and do some crate digging. You will be surprised at your discoveries.
HAPPY BURTDAY, JOAN! My dear sister (and best friend) Joan or Joanie, as everyone called her) also loved the water (ocean) – here at Stinson Beach CA, with friends … along with soulful music. Besides music, Joan and I both loved animals (even though our parents would never let us have pets, backroads, English, history, and shared values – and loving though barely tolerating our dominating parents. We even had the same allergies at the same times and would consult each other. We could talk for hours, which we did, lovingly, especially in Joan’s last days suffering cancer.
Another favorite of ours, this ballad featuring Jerry Butler with the Impressions, ‘ For Your Precious Love’. It may have been my sister’s favorite song.
Joan and I did go to a some oldies concerts together, but mostly Joan and I listened to the oldies while ‘cruising’ the Bay Area Backroads. Joan was an excellent pianist, thanks to our next-door neighbor piano teacher- but she never played after her early years, nor did she sing despite her excellent voice. But we enjoyed each other’s company. I miss Joan today and continue to play (and sing) our favorite old songs accompanying myself on piano and more recently ukelele and accordian – and always looking to other dedicating oldies lovers to join in.
What kind of music do you enjoy? What are your favorite songs? Any special experiences where music helped you get through hard times? Remember to Make Some Music Today, June 21 World Music Day – and everyday – or start learning an instrument and sing. You won’t regret it.