Music

The talented children who make up the PS22 Chorus turned in an enchanting performance of the beloved folk song “Shenandoah” that will leave you in awe.

There are some songs that no matter how many times you’ve heard them, you still love every time and never become tired of them. That’s how you can tell if a song is an actual classic – whether it has stood the test of time. Classic tunes cover all genres, musicians, styles and tastes. The many classic songs go from patriotic to religious to more of a secular variety. 

Classic songs all also have a bit of nostalgia and meaning attached to them. Those lyrics and melodies make us feel something from the moments of the tune’s opening notes. Whether it’s “Amazing Grace,” “Yankee Doodle” or “I Want to Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles, you’ll immediately feel something when those beloved songs are played or performed. 

In a clip posted on YouTube, the PS22 Chorus, in another outstanding performance, sang a song many would consider a classic – “Shenandoah.” The kids’ beautiful vocal delivery of the memorable lyrics is spot-on, creating a most enjoyable listening experience.

“Oh Shenandoah
I long to see you
Away you rolling river
Oh Shenandoah”

The children sound terrific as they perfectly blend their voices. Also, they sing with such emotion and feeling, expressing themselves as they perform the old folk song. Most of the children in the chorus, as they sing the lyrics, even add hand motions to accompany the words. 

Right before the clip ends, soon after the children finish singing, the young man playing the piano perfectly expresses what most will likely feel when listening to the kids singing “Shenandoah.” He says, “Wowzah,” while looking at the camera.

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 young woman put her stunning and awe-inspiring voice on display during a dazzling performance of the classic song “Beauty and the Beast.”

Celine Dion has one of the best, most powerful and most recognizable voices in history. That beautiful and unmistakable voice has earned her worldwide fame and won her five Grammy Awards. She is also one of the best-selling musicians of all time. In her career, which has spanned decades, she has sold more than 200 million records, according to Forbes.

Celine is a world-class, legendary singer. Someone with Celine’s level of talent does not come around every day. She belongs to an exclusive group of singers that includes Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Adele and Aretha Franklin. Those women could and do sing as few others have before them, constantly astounding with their impressive vocal performances.  

So, whenever someone takes on a song made famous by the legendary Celine Dion, it’s always going to be a tall task. That’s just what one young woman did when she beautifully performed “Beauty and the Beast,” the song from the Disney animated classic of the same name.

In the clip posted on YouTube, the young woman sits next to a young man who plays the iconic tune on the guitar. She begins belting out the memorable lyrics, demonstrating her outstanding and awe-inspiring voice. Her level of talent is mind-blowing!

“Tale as old as time
True as it can be
Barely even friends
Then somebody bends unexpectedly”

The entire performance is outstanding. God has blessed her with an angelic voice that must be heard to be believed. How is a voice like that coming out of someone so young?

In addition to the two talented musicians, the video also features a second young man who didn’t want to be left out of the video. Throughout the clip, he shows off his impressive dance moves and jumps up and down, attempting to touch the garage door.

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.”

What an outstanding performance by the bluegrass band, Southern Raised!

Southern Raised is a family band from the Ozark mountains made up of members, Emily Clayton, Lindsay Killingsworth, Matt Reith, and Alex Clayton. 

In this performance, we find Matt on vocals and the guitar, Emily on vocals and the mandolin, Alex on the banjo, and Lindsay on vocals and bass. Together they create a lively rendition of the classic song, ‘16 Tons.’ 

The song begins with the banjo, then the mandolin and guitar join in, with the bass. Matt’s deeper voice harmonizes well with Lindsay’s and Emily’s voices to create a perfect bluegrass performance. 

The lyrics start with, 

“Some people say a man is made outta mud
A poor man's made outta muscle and blood
Muscle and blood and skin and bones
A mind that's a-weak and a back that's strong”

‘16 Tons’ was first written by Merle Travis about a coal miner and based on life in the mines of Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. It was first recorded in 1946 and released in 1947. 

In 1955, Tennessee Ernie Ford recorded the song and the song started to get popular, hitting the Billboard country music chart and the pop music chart. Many in the comments even brought up Tennessee Ernie Ford, remembering how he made this song the classic that it is.

One commenter says, “I can’t help but think, that somewhere in heaven, Tennessee Ernie Ford is smiling as a single tear rolls down his cheek. Beautiful!!!” and another, “Being from Tennessee, I sure did enjoy hearing this one.  Plus, Tennessee Ernie Ford is smiling!  Thanks!  It never grows old.”

This song is a favorite among many people, whether they first heard the song years ago, or this Southern Raised version was their first experience with it.  

“That chant to the sound of the viol, and invent to themselves instruments of music, like David;” - Amos 6:5

A couple of incredibly gifted musicians put a decidedly different spin on a beloved classic from Celine Dion, giving “My Heart Will Go On” a metal makeover.

The Academy Award-winning film “Titanic,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, is one of the biggest, most profitable movies in cinema history. Similarly, Celine Dion’s tune from that film, “My Heart Will Go On,” is one of the most popular, widely recognized songs ever. From the first few opening notes of the song, most people will instantly recognize it. 

Additionally, the song is performed by Celine Dion, who possesses otherworldly, God-given talent. Her voice can reach, hit and hold notes that other musicians can only dream of. She is easily one of the best singers of all time. Even if you’re not a big Celine Dion fan, the woman has an angelic and awe-inspiring voice. 

So, since the song is so beloved, widely recognized by the masses and originally performed by one of the best singers of all time, why not try covering it, right? No pressure in undertaking that endeavor.

Well, that’s just what a couple of musicians did. In a clip posted on YouTube, Dan Vasc and Garrett J Peters performed a metal version of “My Heart Will Go On.” And it’s outstanding, giving the tune an entirely different sound and feel.

“Every night in my dreams
I see you, I feel you
This is how I know you go on”

Surprisingly, it’s a cover that could and should be listened to repeatedly. It’s that good! Not saying that it’s an improvement of the original because that would be impossible to do, but this one is so much fun.

Dan is a super-talented singer and puts his musical ability on full display here. What a 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.”

What better way to enjoy a day of shopping than to stop and listen to some great music?

In this video, you can experience some of that with this cover of ‘Until I Found You’ by Stephen Sanchez.  A young Ed Sheeran look alike, Fionn Whelan is on vocals, and Allie Sherlock is on vocals and guitar. 

Allie Sherlock and Fionn Whelan are doing what is called “busking” or street performing. This is when an artist performs in public for gratuities. And in today’s world, they can then put their performances online to be seen by many more people. Using sites such as YouTube and Instagram to grow their audiences worldwide. 

Fionn is a 13-year-old Irish musician from Wicklow, Ireland. He was introduced as Grafton Street’s Ed Sheeran by Allie Sherlock when he sang ‘Halleluiah’ with her in August of 2023. Grafton Street in Dublin is a popular place for busking and shopping. 

Allie is 18 and from Cork, Ireland who first got the world’s attention when a video she posted on Facebook of busking on Grafton Street went virtual. She sang Ed Sheeran’s ‘Supermarket Flowers.’

‘Until I Found You’ is by Stephen Sanchez and was released in 2021 and became popular through social media. The song has also appeared in a few popular television shows. 

“I would never fall in love again until I found her
I said, "I would never fall unless it's you I fall into"
I was lost within the darkness, but then I found her
I found you”

Allie and Fionn give quite the performance and have captivated the audience as you can see towards the end of the video. What a duo! It is hard to believe that Fionn is only 13 years old. He is going to be going places as the years go on. 

“For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” - Romans 11:29

Check out this delightful video of Exile performing “Woke Up in Love” on Larry’s Country Diner. You might be left wearing a silly smile—or a foolish grin!

Exile (a.k.a. The Exiles) began performing together in Richmond, Kentucky in 1963. These guys have been around for a while! However, they sound just like they did when we first heard this #1 hit, released in January 1983. The tune is catchy and contagious; there’s rhyme and rhythm. Even Larry’s cast member, country music disc jockey and Nashville television host Keith Bilbrey, catches the beat with a gnome that he picks up off the diner’s counter. 

And, the message? Well, it’s just pretty romantic. What girl wouldn’t swoon upon hearing their love say such sweet things?

Here are four lines from a verse of “Woke Up in Love:”

Used to run around
In no particular direction
I ran across a lot of pretty women
But I couldn't make a connection

Joining Exile for this toe-tapping performance is guitarist Jimmy Capps, who played the sheriff on Larry’s Country Diner. In addition to Exile and Mr. Capps’s amazing performance, the video offers a fun look back to simpler times. Vintage forks and spoons, old-timey art—a few pieces hanging crooked on the paneled wall, and a postcard-framed door remind us of yesteryear!

Some may have forgotten that Exile, appearing very comfortably country here, once recorded rock music. In fact, their biggest hit was “Kiss You All Over,” released in 1978. It was another love song, even if it felt a bit more “intimate.” 

Once filmed in Nashville, Larry’s Country Diner is no longer producing new shows. However, there are 807 past episodes and/or videos with Sheriff Capps and Keith, as well as “church lady Nadine” (of course, there’s a Nadine), waitress Renae, and Larry. Those videos are available to watch on their YouTube Channel, which has nearly 55,000 subscribers.  

After 6 decades, Exile is still performing, too! That’s pretty cool!

“Strengthen me with raisin cakes, refresh me with apples, for I am weak with love.” Song of Solomon 2:5

Kelly Clarkson kicked off an episode of her daytime talk show The Kelly Clarkson Show with a chilling and outstanding cover of “Don’t Worry Baby,” a tune by The Beach Boys.

The Beach Boys are one of the most iconic and beloved bands ever. Since the band’s formation, which goes back decades, the guys have produced a handful of classic and memorable songs. Tunes like “Good Vibrations,” “California Girls,” “Sloop John B” and “God Only Knows” demonstrate their beautiful and stunning harmonies. Their songs will not be forgotten and will likely continue to be covered well into the future.

One of those musicians covering a hit from The Beach Boys now includes the original American Idol winner, Mrs. Kelly Clarkson. Kelly’s rendition of “Don’t Worry Baby,” is beautiful. She uses her unmistakable voice to belt out those lyrics first made famous by The Beach Boys.

“But she looks in my eyes
And makes me realize
And she says, ‘Don’t worry, baby’
Don’t worry, baby”

No one will ever be able to top the original version of this beloved hit song from The Beach Boys. But if there is one person with the talent to try it, it’s Kelly Clarkson. 

Following her impressive vocal performance, the studio audience erupts, showing Kelly and her band their appreciation with thunderous applause, screams and shouts. 

After her performance, Kelly gives some background information on The Beach Boys' tune.

“In his memoir, Brian Wilson wrote that he composed it after hearing The Ronette song “Be My Baby,”  which is also such a classic,” Kelly said. “He heard that for the first time and apparently, he called his lyricist right away, and within an hour of the words being written, Brian knew he had a hit.”

And Brian was correct! It’s a song that has stood the test of time, like other songs from The Beach Boys.

Psalm 105:2 “Let your voice be sounding in songs and melody; let all your thoughts be of the wonder of his works.”

A man was captured on video sitting at and playing a piano suspended more than 30 feet in the air.

Musicians and artists are always looking for ways to push themselves and their talent. They constantly seek ways to use their God-given gifts to create beautiful sounds in new and inventive methods. This is in keeping with the good Lord’s desire for us to use our talents, gifts and skills for a healthy return. What good is a gift if it’s never opened and used? 

A clip posted on YouTube shows how one man used his musical abilities to hit some actual high notes! 

The man, Swiss pianist Alain Roche, is strapped in a chair as his fingers tickle the ivories, with them dancing back and forth on the keys. The piece he plays, according to the video, is called “Winter Solstice.” He does all this while he and the piano are dangling 33 feet in the air.

In addition to him and the piano being suspended in the air, Alain must contend with the elements. In the clip, he mentions that depending on the weather, whether it be the rain, snow, wind or chilling temperatures, the piece changes a little bit every time.

The clip states that Alain’s insane piano performance was part of an art exhibit. His piano playing even managed to capture an audience. Several people brought lawn chairs and blankets with them as they bundled up to take in the one-of-a-kind performance. 

What an odd but interesting take on playing the piano. Most people play the large instrument while it sits on the ground. Playing the piano while it’s hanging 30 feet in the air is one way to test your skills. Those who play the piano and have a fear of heights probably would not fare too well. 

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.”

The late and legendary musician B.J. Thomas turned in a stunning performance of his classic “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head’ during an appearance on Larry’s Country Diner.

Life can often be an unfair experience. Everyone encounters and is forced to deal with a series of painful, heartbreaking and gut-wrenching circumstances. No one will escape this lost and broken world unscathed. All will be left battered and bruised in one way or another. 

Everyday living with all its worries, stresses and burdens can become overwhelming. It may even feel like you’re constantly under your own rain cloud. No matter what you do or where you go, rain falls and storms disrupt those plans and good intentions. However, as much as we may want to during those times, giving up is never an option. The rain will clear up, and the sun will return to the sky eventually.

In a clip posted on YouTube, B.J. Thomas sings his beloved hit. It’s a tune about that very situation. Despite the rain that continues to fall, he sings that he refuses to let it stop him or get him down.

“But there’s one thing I know
The blues they send to meet me
Won’t defeat me, it won’t be long
Till happiness steps up to greet me”

What an optimistic song and message! Despite everything that may be going on, no matter how bad things may get or how hopeless a situation might appear, things will improve. Followers of Jesus Christ can rest assured in this idea. 

Even when He may appear absent and not working, God remains in control. He has promised to be faithful, by our side throughout anything and everything we may encounter. He has never broken a promise before, and there is no reason to believe He will start now.

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.”

Two unbelievably talented musicians, Lukas Nelson and Lily Meola, have turned in an outstanding and chilling cover of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel’s classic, “Homeward Bound.”

Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel are legendary musicians. Their musical partnership produced classic tunes that are still widely played decades after they were first released. Songs like “Bridge over Troubled Water,” “Mrs. Robinson,” “The Boxer” and “The Sound of Silence” have been covered thousands of times by hundreds of musicians. 

In a clip posted on YouTube, Lukas Nelson, son of legendary country musician Willie Nelson, teams up with Lily Meola for an awe-inspiring performance of another Simon and Garfunkel classic, “Homeward Bound.”

The iconic song, as the title indicates, is about a traveling musician out on the road, playing an endless stream of gigs. He’s been on the road playing so long that everywhere he goes and plays blends together. It all looks the same. He wants nothing but to go home, and that’s where he’s headed as the song begins.

“Homeward bound
Home where my thought’s escapin’
Home where my music’s playin’
Home where my love lies waitin’”

Lukas and Lily’s video is nothing special. They are standing outside on either side of a large microphone, and Lukas strums on the guitar. It’s not even a long video, at a little over a minute and a half. But in that short time, Lukas and Lily display unbelievable talent.

Their voices are absolutely magical, working perfectly with one another as they sing the iconic lyrics. This is a marvelous cover that could and should be listened to repeatedly. Some may even argue that this version is superior to the original by Simon and Garfunkel. I would definitely be one leaning in that direction. 

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.”

Get ready to shake, rattle, and roll because Elliot James Reay, an Elvis lookalike, sings a chilling ‘Earth Angel’ cover.  The Elvis lookalike sensation is taking us on a musical journey with his soul-stirring rendition. This performance isn't just All Shook Up; it's a romantic hip-swinging extravaganza that'll make you say, "Thank you, thank you very much!"

Decked out in a white t-shirt that would make the King himself proud and with sideburns that could rival Elvis's most iconic look, Elliot is turning up the heat with his musical charm. Elliot made the internet swoon when he sang his first rendition of Elvis Presley's songs while he was cleaning the house and doing dishes. In less than two months, he garnered millions of fans around the world. 

As the first notes of ‘Earth Angel’ fill the air, you can't help but feel the romantic vibes emanating from Elliot's performance. His voice, smooth as velvet, takes you on a journey back to the days when Elvis Presley ruled the charts and stole hearts around the world. With each lyric, Elliot brings a touch of nostalgia and a dash of contemporary flair, making it clear that he's not just an Elvis lookalike; he's a heartthrob in his own right.

Watching Elliot James Reay's ‘Earth Angel’ cover is like taking a trip down Lover's Lane with the King as your guide. It's not just a cover; it's a love letter to the magic of Elvis and a declaration that romance is timeless. As Elliot croons each verse, you might find yourself singing, "Earth angel, earth angel. Will you be mine, my darling dear? Love you all the time, I'm just a fool. A fool in love with you.”

Elliot James Reay, the Elvis-inspired heartthrob, is more than just a hunk-a-hunk of burning love; he's a musical sensation with a voice that'll make your heart skip a beat. 

With a romantic croon that could melt even the iciest of hearts, Elliot channels the spirit of the King in every note, leaving audiences all shook up with admiration. Elliot serenades with a velvety charm that's simply irresistible. His performances are like a romantic rendezvous with the King of Rock 'n' Roll, and as he belts out those tunes, you can't help but feel the ‘love me tender’ vibes in the air. Elliot James Reay doesn't just sing; he romances the mic. 

We hope you enjoyed this romantic melody and performance! 

An incredibly talented young woman, Allie Sherlock, put on a dazzling and soulful performance of “Islands in the Stream” by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers.

Dolly Parton, in a career that has spanned decades, has starred in films, and on television and has produced dozens of classic, beloved hit songs. Tunes like “9 to 5,” “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” are iconic Dolly Parton songs. 

In addition to her many film roles and catchy, upbeat songs like “9 to 5,” Dolly is well-known for her many collaborations with the late Kenny Rogers. Like Dolly, Kenny was also a multi-talented performer, appearing in films and on television and producing music. Likely, when one thinks of Dolly and Kenny singing together, there is one song that immediately comes to mind: “Islands in the Stream.”

In a clip posted on YouTube, Allie Sherlock performed “Islands in the Streams,” on the side of the street for dozens of passing citizens. Topping a song from two legends is never going to happen. The best that anyone could hope to do with that song is to make it their own, which Allie manages to do.

“Islands in the stream
That is what we are
No one in between
How can we be wrong?

Allie’s unique and distinctive voice produces a thoroughly enjoyable version of the song made famous by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers. Allie, once again, shows that she is immensely talented with her cover of “Islands in the Stream.” 

Her version could be listened to endlessly on repeat without ever tiring of it. Those partial to the original can still enjoy this cover because she doesn’t try to outdo Dolly and Kenny, which is an impossible task. 

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.”

Jeremy Renner sings ‘Wait,’ a special song for his daughter Ava and it’s beautiful. 

As the video starts, the title card tells us it is January 2023, and then says, “To my daughter Ava.” We start to see clips of the actor, singer-songwriter, guitarist, keyboardist, and drummer, Jeremy Renner in his house. 

He starts talking, “To my daughter, my everything. My only thing, my number one…” 

Jeremy then breaks into song after about a minute of talking. During the rest of the video, you can see video clips of him with his daughter through the years, and then a grown-up version of her, looking to the future. 

The ending scene is his daughter in a wedding dress as an adult and Jeremy standing there, holding her hands and smiling. You can see he is wearing a bracelet that says, “Dad” on it which was shown earlier in the video. 

“For whatever it's worth, I know that it hurts
You are the ocean and I am the earth
Would you wait, wait
Wait for me now?”

These lyrics for ‘Wait’ ask her to wait for him. To have patience, and understanding as he struggles to express himself. 

The song was released in January of 2024, on the first anniversary of Jeremy’s near-fatal snowplow accident. In his Instagram post about the song, he writes, “New musical diary — story of life, death, recovery, all things learned along the way “Wait” lit Jan 1. I can’t wait to share more with you.”

Jeremey is not a new singer as he has performed songs on several soundtracks such as ‘American Pie’ for Love Comes to the Executioner and ‘Drink Alone’ for North Country. He released his first extended play, The Medicine in March of 2020. 

“See, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.” - Psalms 127:3

An unbelievably talented group of musicians, 40 Fingers, turned in a masterful and awe-inspiring performance, putting together a medley of Michael Jackson’s biggest and most beloved hits.

Michael Jackson is one of the best-selling and most influential musicians of all time. He changed music throughout his illustrious career. Many musicians today still try to replicate and mimic his unmistakable sound and jaw-dropping dance moves. Some are more successful than others. But there will never be another Michael Jackson.

In a clip posted on YouTube, 40 Fingers, a group of gifted guitarists, expertly strum their instruments as they play several of Michael’s most recognizable and classic tunes. Their medley of the King of Pop’s songs is one of the more delightful mashups you’re likely to hear. 

The 7-minute video begins with the guys strumming along and playing “Black or White.” After several thoroughly enjoyable moments of that song, the guys move on to “Smooth Criminal.” Next up in the medley of Michael’s most iconic tracks is “Beat It.”

Then to change things up, the guys go back to a song from Michael’s childhood, when he was a member of the Jackson 5, “I Want You Back.” Around the 3:45 mark, the guys move into what is, without question, Michael’s best song: “Billie Jean.”

Anyone who liked any of Michael’s music will love 40 Fingers medley. This is such a fun listen. Seconds into the clip, you’ll find yourself singing the words to those iconic tunes. 

The guys, once again, demonstrate that they are masters of their craft. There isn’t a missed note or a false move from any of them throughout the clip. They also seamlessly transition from one song to the next, almost giving it the feel of one long, extended song. 

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.”

Three musically gifted siblings flexed their considerable vocal muscles as they turned in a dazzling and delightful cover of classic and beloved tunes.

Those blessed with the gift of sound and creating beautiful, pleasant music could make anything sound terrific. It could be the worst, most horrifically written song of all time, but if a gifted singer were to get ahold of it, it would still be tolerable. It may not be great, but it would still be something you could listen to with little to no regret.

Thankfully, the talented sibling trio Life in 3D was not working with terrible music. Instead, they performed some of the most beloved and well-known songs. And they knocked it out of the park. 

Their sweet, soft tones and wonderful, warm and inviting harmonies are literal music to the ears. These three young people have been blessed with angelic voices who could sing the phone book and make it sound good.

In a clip posted on YouTube, they performed several songs, including the Irish ballad “Danny Boy,” “Swing Long, Sweet Chariot,” “Yankee Doodle” and finished the clip with a rousing rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” 

“Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home”

Sure, they may all be songs we’ve heard performed dozens, perhaps even hundreds of times before, but not like this. These young people are outstanding. They effortlessly blend their voices, creating a one-of-a-kind listening experience. It’s an absolutely beautiful display of musical talent. 

Others who commented on the video’s YouTube link also appreciated the dazzling vocal display from the trio.

“What a good harmony, 3D! Keep on singing and inspiring us all cause it’s very pleasing to the ears,” one person wrote. 

“The full version of each of these songs would be wonderful. Beautiful rendition of this medley,” someone else 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.”

The late and legendary Glen Campbell was joined by fellow musician Eric Clapton for a lovely and emotional duet of “Nothing but the Whole Wide World to Gain.”

There are no differences between human beings. Some people may have more material possessions, live in a bigger house or have a fatter bank account. But those are superficial, and at the end of the day, at the end of our lives, those are meaningless. 

From dust, we began and to dust that we’ll eventually return to one day. That may sound morbid, but God has a plan and will for each person on Earth. He has equipped everyone with different skills and talents to achieve the plans He has for our lives. 

In a clip posted on YouTube, Glen and Eric sing “Nothing but the Whole Wide World to Gain.” It’s a tune that mentions how God has plans for all. The good Lord wants us to remain busy, always working toward those plans.

“And no rich man’s worth his weight in dust
They bury him down same as they’ll do to us
God wants you busy, never giving up
He wants nothing but the whole wide world for us”

The song also mentions how, regardless of one’s background, everyone's the same. Some may begin life with a bigger advantage than others. But at the end of the day, everyone is still a human being. 

However, it’s the time between birth and death that God has given us and what we do with it that truly matters. After our time on Earth is over, all will have to answer to God for how we used the time He gave us. That’s a humbling and possibly distressing thought, but God wants nothing but the best for us and our lives, as the song mentions. 

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

This marching band has moves. Not only do they make beautiful music with their instruments, but they know how to put on quite the performance. 

The band is the Kyoto Tachibana High School Brass Band performing at the ​​Kaohsiung Chengyi Hotel in Taiwan in December of 2023. They travel and perform and attend the Rose Parade in California every year.

When asked how they can play and dance at the same time, they answer on their website, “Lots and lots of practice. Couple of hours every day before school lessons, and several hours afterwards. Training in weekends and holidays. They have 3 days in a year with no practice. Of course, over the years they have also developed effective training methods which speed up the progress.”

They start with the song, ‘Uptown Funk’ which is a song by British record producer, Mark Ronson, featuring Bruno Mars. It was released in 2014 on the album, Uptown Special. ‘Uptown Funk’ is quite the catchy song with lyrics such as:

“Saturday night and we in the spot
Don't believe me, just watch, come on”

The women in the marching band incorporate different moves such as leg tapping, dancing, moving back and forth, spinning around, and overall jamming to the music, all the while playing their instruments. It is quite a talent.

The next song is, ‘Sing, Sing, Sing’ and is from 1936 with music and lyrics by Louis Prima. He first recorded it with the New Orleans Gang. The song was made popular by Benny Goodman and his band and it is well known in the Big Band and Swing genres. 

You might know the lyrics which start off:

“Sing sing sing sing,
Everybody start to sing,
Ooh-hoo, wah-hoo!
Now you're singin' with a swing!”

The marching band leans into the song with their dancing and moving to the music. They also do some waiving towards the end of the song. 

They are quite the sight to be seen, a marching band with so much talent! 

“Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises to him with the tambourine and harp.” - Psalms 149:3

A gifted musician and an America’s Got Talent favorite, Kodi Lee, has written a stunningly original song and released the official lyric video for his new tune, “Journey of You and I.”

Mothers are a special group of individuals. They are often selfless people, willing to sacrifice their wants, needs and desires for that of their children. It takes quite a person to raise a child and give them all the love and care they require. 

To adequately thank mothers for all they do and give would require much more than a single day out of the year. Moms should be thanked regularly for what they provide and do for their children. 

Kodi has found a sweet and wholly unique way to thank his mother for what she has done for him. He wrote and dedicated a song to her, “Journey of You and I.” It’s a lovely, catchy and tear-jerking tune. It will cause you to reflect and think about your mother, possibly causing you to shed a tear or two. 

In a clip posted on YouTube, Kodi’s beautifully written words are captured and displayed in the song’s official lyric video. 

“Built me up to overcome all the doubt with your love
Always right by my side
Pushed me to keep on dreamin’
Thank you for just believin’”

In the video’s description, Kodi posted a sweet dedication to his mother, once again thanking her for all she has done for him.

“This song is dedicated to my mom, for always being there for me throughout my life,” Kodi writes. “Her selfless devotion has made me who I am today. Thank you mom, and to all other loved ones out there that has supported your children’s dreams.”

Kodi has been blessed with a wonderful mother. Every time he appears on America’s Got Talent, she is faithfully by his side, always looking on with much love, care and compassion in her eyes. 

Proverbs 6:20 “My son, keep the rule of your father, and have in memory the teaching of your mother:”

One member of the incredibly talented group Celtic Thunder put on a stunning and outstanding performance, covering a classic tune from one of the most celebrated and best-selling musicians ever: Garth Brooks.

Covers are a tradition that likely goes back as long as music itself. It’s a practice that will most certainly continue as well. Every musician, whether Elton John, Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger or Elvis Presley, has performed the songs of other artists. There are entire bands in which covers are all they play. 

Now, cover bands may or may not be your thing. I’m personally not a fan. But honestly, who doesn’t want to hear someone else’s interpretation of a hit song? It might work, or it might not, but let's give it a try and find out.

In a clip posted on YouTube, Celtic Thunder covered “The Thunder Rolls,” Garth Brooks’ hit from the 1990s. 

“Every light is burnin’ in a house across town
She’s pacin’ by the telephone in her faded flannel gown
Askin’ for a miracle, hopin’ she’s not right
Prayin’ it’s the weather that’s kept him out all night”

Irish and country music are generally not genres of music that interact much. So, it would be natural to question if an Irish band named Celtic Thunder should even attempt a country song. That combination couldn’t possibly work, right? Well, you might think that, and you would be mistaken.

The young man’s voice and the lyrics about a rocky marriage work perfectly together. He doesn’t have to change anything to make the tune his own. His singing the Garth Brooks’ hit is enough to make it unmistakably his own. Because of his accent and difference in tone, no one will mistake this for Garth Brooks.

It's an incredibly awe-inspiring performance that results in a thunderous round of applause from the audience.

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

This performance of “I've Done Enough Dyin' Today”' by the Gatlin Brothers will give you chills!

Playing from Larry’s Country Diner, the video starts with Larry Gatlin saying, “This is my most favorite song I’ve ever written” and goes on to tell a quick joke about a song. He then says, “That usually gets more of a chuckle” when it seems the audience doesn’t laugh as much as he was expecting.

The humor was a fun way to start the performance and make the audience feel comfortable before they started to sing. 

The Gatlin Brothers move right into the song, and we get to hear deep and beautiful music with perfect harmonies. You can’t help but want to stop and listen, no matter what you might be doing. 

The Gatlin Brothers are a Grammy-award-winning trio from Texas who have been entertaining for more than 60 years. The brother started performing by singing gospel music at a very early age. 

They have performed at places like the White House, Air Force One, Carnegie Hall, Dollywood, and the Grand Old Opry. They have also performed overseas for US troops as well as military bases in the United States. 

“I've Done Enough Dyin' Today'” was written by Larry Gatlin in 1978. The song ends with, 

“And how will we live now? You tell me
With parts of our hearts torn away
Just existing makes dyin' look awful easy
But maybe tomorrow I've done enough dyin' today”

Larry’s Country Diner is a down-home variety show set in a southern eatery. The show is full of entertainment, interviews, and music. It first aired in 2009 and has a casual homey feel to it. It feels like the performers are sitting down at your local restaurant to share with those having a meal. 

“My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing to you; and my soul, which you have redeemed.” - Psalms 71:23