Tag: music

75 Songs for the Christmas Season

Music is one of the joys of Christmas. Artists have been writing about the holiday season for decades. If you are looking to add some Christmas cheer to your holiday party or dinner, check out the following songs. (Be careful, you may find yourself singing out loud!)

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Please note: As an Amazon affiliate, I earn income from qualifying purchases.

  1. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” by Bing Crosby
  2. “Away in the Manger” by Nat King Cole
  3. “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams
  4. “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby
  5. “Sleigh Ride” by The Ronettes or “Sleigh Ride” by Ella Fitzgerald
  6. “What Christmas Means to Me” by Stevie Wonder
  7. “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Nat King Cole
  8. “Last Christmas (I Gave You My Heart)” by Wham!
  9. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey
  10. “How Many Kings” by Downhere
  11. “It’s True” by Sara Groves
  12. “Let it, Snow! Let it, Snow! Let it Snow” by Dean Martin
  13. “The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You)” by Nat King Cole
  14. “Home for the Holidays” by Perry Como
  15. “Christmas Time Is Here” by Vince Guaraldi Trio
  16. “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24” by Trans-Siberian Orchestra
  17. “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” by Frank Sinatra or “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” by Bruce Springsteen
  18. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Judy Garland
  19. “Frosty the Snowman” by Gene Autry or “Frosty the Snowman” by Jimmy Durante (Both are fun reeditions!)
  20. “Angels We Have Heard on High” by Ella Fitzgerald or “Angels We Have Heard on High” by Josh Groban & Brian McKnight
  21. “Let It Be Christmas” by Alan Jackson
  22. “Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkston
  23. “Christmas Cookies” by George Strait
  24. “Little Saint Nick” by The Beach Boys
  25. “Christmas Time All Over Again” by            Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
  26. “Carol of the Bells/What Child is This?” by Point of Grace
  27. “Mele Kalikimaka (Hawaiian Christmas Song)” by Bing Crosby
  28. “Santa Baby” by Eartha Kitt
  29. “Blue Christmas” by Elvis Presley
  30. “Run, Rudolph, Run” by Chuck Berry
  31. “Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy” by Garth Brooks
  32. “Jingle Bell Rock” by Bobby Helms
  33. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee
  34. “Carol of the Bells” by Trans-Siberian Orchestra
  35. “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)”
  36. “Jingle Bells” by Ella Fitzgerald or “Jingle Bells” by Dean Martin (Both are great!)
  37. “Christmas, Baby Please Come Home” by Darlene Love
  38. “A Soldiers Silent Night” by Father Ted Berndt
  39. “Winter Wonderland” by Dean Martin
  40. “A Holly Jolly Christmas” by Burl Ives
  41. “Merry Christmas, Baby” by Otis Redding
  42. “Happy X-Mas (War is Over)” by John Lennon
  43. “Please Come Home for Christmas” by The Eagles
  44. “Where Are You Christmas” by Faith Hill
  45. “Feliz Navidad” by José Feliciano
  46. “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” by Dean Martin or “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” by Norah Jones and Willie Nelson
  47. “Merry Christmas Darling” by The Carpenters
  48. “Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkston
  49. “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” by Jackson 5
  50. “Santa I’m Right Here” by Toby Keith
  51. “Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy” by David Bowie & Bing Crosby
  52. “Wonderful Christmastime” by Paul McCartney
  53. “Hard Candy Christmas” by Dolly Parton
  54. “Gold and Green” by Sugarland
  55. “Deck The Halls” by Mannheim Steamroller
  56. “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” by Band Aid
  57. “Fairytale of New York” by The Pogues
  58. “We Need a Little Christmas” by Angela Lansbury
  59. “Believe” by Josh Groban
  60. “The First Noel” by Andy Williams
  61. “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” by Gayla Peevey
  62. “Joy to the World” by Aretha Franklin
  63. “O Come, All Ye Faithful” by Faith Hill
  64. “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” by Michael Bublé
  65. “Mary, Did You Know” by Kenny Rogers
  66. “Christmas Isn’t Canceled (Just You)” by Kelly Clarkson
  67. “When My Heart Finds Christmas” by Harry Connick Jr
  68. “Pretty Paper” by Willie Nelson
  69. “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” by Thurl Ravenscroft
  70. “Christmas Day at my House” by Patty Loveless
  71. “Snow” by Leslie Odom Jr.
  72. “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem” by The Judds
  73. “My Favorite Things” by Julie Andrews
  74. “Santa Claus Is Back In Town” by Elvis Presley
  75. “O Holy Night” by Céline Dion or “O Holy Night” by Nat King Cole (Both versions are wonderful.)

Is your favorite song on the list? Merry Christmas! Keep singing!

32 Autumn Songs for Your Playlist

Today, September 22, is the first official day of fall. The season brings a change to the landscape with colorful leaves and frosty mornings. Artists have been singing about the changing seasons for decades. Do you have a favorite? Check out the following autumn songs to add to your playlist this season.

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  1. “Wake Me Up When September Ends” by Green Day (2004)
  2.  “Autumn In New York” by Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald
  3. ‘Autumn Leaves” by Eva Cassidy (1996)
  4. “Colder Weather” by Zac Brown Band (2010)
  5. “November Rain” by Guns N’ Roses (1992)
  6. “Harvest Moon” by Neil Young (1992)
  7. “Harvest Time” by Luke Bryan (2011)
  8. “September Song” by Frank Sinatra
  9. “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire (1978)
  10. “Indian Summer” by Ella Fitzgerald
  11. “September in the Rain” by Dinah Washington
  12. “The Last Leaf” by The Cascades
  13. “Autumn Waltz” by Tony Bennet
  14. “Forever Autumn” by Justin Hayward (1978)
  15. “Autumn Serenade” by John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman (1963)
  16. “Shine on Harvest Moon” by the Four Aces
  17. “’Tis Autumn” by Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Pass
  18. “Autumn’s Not That Cold” by Lorrie Morgan (1991)
  19. “Autumn Town Leaves” by Iron & Wine (2018)
  20. “Just Like Autumn” by The Tuesday Crew, Carly Bannister, Jordy Searcy (2018)
  21. “October” by U2 (1981)
  22. “Sweater Weather” by The Neighbourhood (2013)
  23. “Pale September” by Fiona Apple (1996)
  24. “Autumn Almanac” by The Kinks (1967)
  25. “When Fall Comes to New England” by Cheryl Wheeler (1993)
  26. “Autumn Sweater” by Yo La Tengo (1997)
  27. “September” by Corb Lund (2012)
  28. “Harvest Fair” by Summer Salt (2019)
  29. “Autumn Song” by Van Morrison
  30. “Chill of an Early Fall” by George Strait
  31. “The Last Day of Summer” by The Cure
  32. “Boys of Fall” by Kenny Chesney

Songs to Play on St. Patrick’s Day

Are you getting together with friends or family to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Do you need to add Irish songs to your playlist? Even if you are spending the evening at home, check out the following Irish songs to play on St. Patrick’s Day.

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Please note: “As an Amazon affiliate, I earn income from qualifying purchases.”

  1. The Irish Rover” — The Dubliners & The Pogues
  2. “I’m Shipping up to Boston” — Dropkick Murphys
  3. “Seven Drunken Nights” — The Dubliners
  4. “Molly Malone” – The Dubliners
  5. “Ten Thousand Miles Away” – Dan Milner, John Doyle & Robbie O’Connell
  6. “The Fields of Athenry” — Paddy Reilly
  7. “Riverdance” — Bill Wheelan
  8. “My Wild Irish Rose” – Luka Bloom
  9. “Danny Boy” – Celtic Woman
  10. “Galway Girl”- Ed Sheeran
  11. “An Irish Pub Song” – The Rumjacks
  12. “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” – The Irish Tenors
  13. “On Raglan Road” – Luke Kelly
  14. “The Maids of Mitchelstown” – The Bothy Band
  15. “The Jug of Punch” – The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem
  16. “Brown Eyed Girl”- Van Morrison
  17. “The Rocky Road to Dublin” – The High Kings
  18. “Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ra (That’s an Irish Lullaby)” – Bing Crosby
  19. “The Irish Rover” – Ronnie Drew
  20. “Mise Eire” – Celtic Woman
  21. “Sunday Bloody Sunday” – U2
  22. “Ireland’s Call” – Celtic Thunder
  23. “The Bonny” – Dropkick Murphys
  24. “The Night Pat Murphy Died” – Fiddler’s Green
  25. “Whiskey, You’re The Devil” – The Clancy Brothers
  26. “Rattlin’ Bog” – The Irish Descendants
  27. “Carrickfergus” – Celtic Thunder

Happy Listening! Do you have an Irish favorite?

Celebrate: Inspire Your Heart With Art Day

Today, January 31st is Inspire Your Heart with Art Day. The arts cover a broad range of subjects including music, painting, sculpture, literature, theater, cinema, and other genres.  Do you have a favorite type of art? Or are you looking to introduce more art into your personal or family life?

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Ways to Observe Inspire Your Heart with Art Day

Use today’s unofficial holiday to explore the many different forms of art. If you are looking for inspiration, check out the following list of ways to celebrate Inspire Your Heart with Art Day.

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Set Up an Art Space

If you are trying to introduce art into your personal or family life, consider setting up a designated art space in your home. A small corner works perfectly. Set up a table or art easel. Provide different materials to create art.

  • Markers, Drawing Pencils, Crayons, Colored Pencils
  • Paint and Brushes
  • Sketch Pads
  • Poster Boards
  • Canvas
  • Drawing Paper
  • Art Books
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Go to a Live Performance

Attend a live performance of your favorite musician, theater production, ballet, or other performance. Due to the ongoing health issue, many venues are canceling or delaying live performances. Others may require specific guidelines for entering the establishment, always check in advance for the latest updates.

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Visit an Art Gallery

Spend a day just marveling at all the art in your local gallery. If you do not have an art gallery in your area or want to attend a new one, go virtual. Many art galleries offer virtual tours.

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Attend a Lecture, Class, or Workshop

Check with your local art gallery or music studio for upcoming classes. Learn a new art technique. Or learn how to play an instrument. If you do not have the time for in-person learning, check out online options.

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Watch Inspirational Films

Search for inspirational films to watch on your favorite streaming platform. If you find a family-friendly movie, use the film as part of family night. Or you can always use your creative outlets to make your own film.

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Listen to Music

Some days turning on your favorite musical artist makes everything better. Go ahead spend the afternoon listening to music.

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Read a Book

Go to the library or your local bookstore to find a book to read. Or reread your favorite classic. Go ahead and make yourself a hot cup of tea or cocoa. Curl up under your favorite fuzzy blanket and read for the rest of the day.

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Enjoy art. Spend the day exploring different art genres. Art has a way of expanding your creativity to higher levels. There are no limits on your imagination. Go ahead and find ways to Inspire Your Heart with Art.  

50 Halloween Songs to Add to Your Playlist

Halloween, the spookiest time of year, is quickly approaching. Are you searching for songs for your upcoming Halloween party? Or do you just want a new playlist to get you into the spirit of Halloween? Here are some bone-chilling tunes to get you into the mood.

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Halloween Songs for a Spooky Good Time

  1. “The Monster Mash” – Bobby “Boris” Pickett
  2. “Somebody’s Watching Me” – Rockwell
  3. “Superstitious” – Stevie Wonder
  4. “Creep” — Radiohead
  5. “Stranger Things” Theme — Kyle Dixon & Michael Stein
  6. “Ghostbusters” – Ray Parker Jr.
  7. “I Want Candy” – The Strangeloves
  8.  “The Phantom of the Opera” Overture — Andrew Lloyd Webber
  9. “Haunted” — Taylor Swift
  10. “Magic Dance” – David Bowie
  11. “I Put a Spell On You” — Bette Midler
  12. “Witchcraft” – Frank Sinatra
  13. “Time Warp” – Rocky Horror Picture Show
  14. “A Nightmare on My Street” — DJ Jazzy & The Fresh Prince
  15. “Werewolves of London” — Warren Zevon
  16. “Monsters” — All Time Low ft. Demi Lovato and blackbear
  17. “Bad Moon Rising” – Creedence Clearwater Revival
  18. “Spooky Scary Skeletons” – Andrew Gold
  19. “Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead” – Ella Fitzgerald
  20. “Love Song for a Vampire” – Annie Lennox
  21. “Jeepers Creepers” – Louis Armstrong
  22. “Zombie” – The Cranberries
  23. “Purple People Eater” – Sheb Wooley
  24. “Poor Unfortunate Souls” –‘The Little Mermaid’
  25. “Season of the Witch” – Donovan
  26. “Freaks Come Out at Night” – Whodini
  27. “People Are Strange” – The Doors
  28. “Love Potion No. 9” – The Searchers
  29. “Men In Black” – Will Smith
  30. “Highway to Hell” – AC/DC
  31. “Thriller” – Michael Jackson
  32. “Demons” – Imagine Dragons
  33. “The Addams Family” Theme — Vic Mizzy
  34. “Spooky” — Dusty Springfield
  35. “Skeleton in the Closet” — Louis Armstrong
  36. “Witchy Woman” – The Eagles
  37. “Halloween” – Phoebe Bridgers
  38. “Abracadabra” – Steve Miller Band
  39. “She Wolf” – Shakira
  40. “I Was a Teenage Werewolf” – The Cramps
  41. “Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)” – David Bowie
  42. “The Yodeling Ghost” – Bing Crosby & the Andrew Sisters
  43. “Headless Horseman” – Kay Starr
  44. “The Ghost of Smokey Joe” – Cab Calloway
  45. “The Gypsy” – The Ink Spots
  46. “Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea” – Django Reinhardt
  47. “The House is Haunted” – Mel Torme
  48.  “That Old Black Magic” – Sarah Vaughan
  49. “The Great Pumpkin Waltz” – George Winston
  50. “She Put a Hex on You” – Them

What is your favorite Halloween song?

Please note: “As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn income from qualifying purchases.”

16 Autumn Songs for an Old School Vibe

The fall season is a wonderful time to curl up under a fuzzy blanket and listen to music. Earbuds limit the noise, no distractions, just you and your favorite tunes. Are you looking to add an “old school” music to your autumn playlist?

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  1. September Song–Frank Sinatra
  2. Autumn Leaves-Nat King Cole
  3. Autumn in New York-Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
  4. Autumn Serenade-John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman
  5. Indian Summer – Ella Fitzgerald
  6. Autumn Waltz-Tony Bennett
  7. Autumn Nocturne-Henry Mancini & His Orchestra
  8. September-Frank Sinatra
  9. It Might as Well Rain Until September-Carole King
  10. Shine on Harvest Moon-The Four Aces
  11. ‘Tis Autumn-Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Pass
  12. The Last Leaf-The Cascades
  13. See You In September-The Happenings
  14. Catch a Falling Star-Perry Como
  15. September In the Rain-Dinah Washington
  16. Falling Leaves-Glen Miller and His Orchestra

Put your feet up, sip a hot cup of tea, and enjoy these old songs about the fall season.

As an Amazon Affiliate, “I earn income for qualifying purchases.”

Rebecca Reviewed It: Hometown 4th

I live in a rural farming area. But I have always considered St. Johns, Michigan my hometown. When I was younger, I spent a lot of my childhood in town. Naturally, when the 4th of July celebration was announced I made plans to go. I am glad I did.

First, I must admit, I am a fan of community events, fairs, and festivals. The celebration in St. Johns did not disappoint. Before heading to the park, we (my cousin and I) stopped at Little Caesars for pizza. The young man that waited on me was polite and professional (a trait, I value in customer service). 

My cousin and I met the rest of our family at St. Johns City Park. The Performance Shell area has plenty of room to watch concerts or other events. Many people bring blankets or lawn chairs along. The area also has a small pavilion. 

Closer to the road leading into the park are picnic tables for public use. We were lucky enough to find one in the shade. Yes, the 4th of July was a hot day for us in Michigan. Luckily the area is close to restrooms and the playground. 

The music, performed by Stone Street Revival, began around 7 pm. I enjoyed listening to the older songs. I found myself singing along to a few of the songs including Sweet Caroline. Yes, I am sorry for anyone who could hear my voice. 

Prior to the start of the fireworks, our group moved toward the other end outside of the St. Johns Redwings football field. We had a perfect view of the fireworks display. I do not know if the show impressed me because I had not seen fireworks in years. Or I was simply happy to be out after everything was canceled in 2020. The Rotary Club of St. Johns hosted a wonderful family-friendly evening.

Will I Go Again? 

In my opinion, if you can spend an evening with family, eat pizza, listen to music, and watch fireworks, do it. Yes, I plan on attending the 4th of July celebration in St. Johns again. In fact, The Clinton County Arts Council will host different music events throughout the summer at 7 pm on Wednesday nights. I am hoping to attend a few more concerts in the park.  

July 4th, 2021…a beautiful night


31 Days of Self-Care for May

Whether your essential worker or following the stay-at-home restrictions, self-care is vital to your overall health and well-being. Self-care is taking the necessary steps to care for your own health. The process of self-care does not need to be elaborate or expensive. Just remember, take time out for you.

  1. Unplug: Simply turn off your cell phone (or set to vibrate), step away from the computer, turn off the news, and relax.
  2. Hot Bath: Pamper yourself with a long hot bath or shower. Soaking in a bubble bath is an easy way to relax.
  3. Binge-Watch: Spend an evening or the entire day binge-watching your favorite television show or movie series.
  4. Get Outdoors: Take your favorite four-legged friend for a walk, go hiking, or just sit in your favorite outdoor chair.
  5. Garden: Planting flowers, herbs, or vegetables is a great way to unwind. Even if you can only set a container in the kitchen window, enjoy the process of plant growth. Playing in the dirt is always fun.
  6. Read: Relax in your favorite comfy chair, grab your reader or book, and just fall into the story. Yes, graphic novels and comic books are perfectly acceptable reading material.
  7. Draw or Paint: Art supplies do not need to be expensive. Stop at your local dollar store or order supplies online. Practice drawing or painting. Yes, stick figures drawings and paint by numbers count.
  8. Craft: Invest in some craft materials. Or purchase craft kits that have step by step instructions for creating a specific item.
  9. Create a Family Tree: If you have ever been interested in your family roots, create a tree. Discovering genealogy is a fun and rewarding activity with many benefits.
  10. Happy Mother’s Day: Call your mom. Make a homemade card or have a meal delivered.
  11. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids.
  12. Eat Proper Meals: Eating healthy is essential during stressful times.
  13. Mediate: Spend some time meditating or praying. Either activity can provide a sense of inner peace.
  14. Exercise: Try low-impact yoga or other exercise routines.
  15. Give Yourself an In-Home Spa Day: Spending the day focused on you, soak your feet in warm water with lavender. Paint your nails a new color. Give yourself a facial.
  16. Go on a Virtual Tour: Many museums, art centers, and other establishments are providing virtual tours. Spend an afternoon touring new places.
  17. Make a Bucket List: Write down everything you want to try this summer. Make a local and dream bucket list.
  18. Listen to a Podcast: With all types of podcasts available, you can easily find one or several for your listening pleasure.
  19. Wash Your Bedding: Wash all of your blankets, sheets, and comforter. The smell of clean linen is a great way to relax.
  20. Light a Candle: Purchase a candle in your favorite scent.
  21. Play Games: Online games are popular. Find one that matches your interest. Spend an afternoon playing a new game.
  22. Clean: Tidying and cleaning your living space can provide a sense of accomplishment.
  23. Journal: Write all your thoughts down on paper.
  24. Make a Grateful List: Create a list of gratitude. Recognizing all the positive things helps you concentrate on the good.
  25. Write an Accomplishment List: Sometimes, you can get too focused on current events, you fail to recognize your accomplishments. Make an accomplishments list. Jot notes by your successes and write future goals.
  26. Sleep: Take a long afternoon nap or sleep in. Getting extra rest during stressful times is right for you.
  27. Turn Up the Music: Turn on the radio or other listening device. Sing along. Dance. Enjoy yourself as the music plays loudly.
  28. Call Friends or Relatives: Is there someone on your mind lately? Take the time to call.
  29. Write Letters: Grab your favorite pen and write a letter to a loved one. Or write a thank you note someone from your past that has made a difference in your life.
  30. Try a New Recipe: Cooking something new provides a sense of accomplishment.
  31. Do Nothing: Yes, sometimes the best you can do for yourself is nothing. Do not be afraid to just relax without any goals for the day.
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