Songs are Written for a Reason
They are intersections of history and people. Today's story is a series of intersections that span 120 years. In the song "What a Wonderful World," we see a great reminder to focus on the beauty of nature and people to find quiet joy, especially in times of great challenge.
A Song of Purpose
There was a famous American trumpeter, composer, vocalist and actor who was named one of the most influential figures in jazz. Louis Daniel Armstrong was born in 1901. His career spanned five decades and different key eras in the history of jazz.
Bob Thiele and George David Weiss wrote the song, "What a Wonderful World."
George Weiss wrote this song specifically for Louis Armstrong because he was inspired by Armstrong's ability to bring people of different races together.
Armstrong recorded the original song at 2 am at the Tropicana Hotel after a midnight show.
After performing a full show, Armstrong was ready to record this special song. Freight train whistles interrupted the session twice, forcing the recording to start over.
Armstrong just shook his head and laughed off the distractions. He kept his composure. The session ended around 6 am, going longer than expected.
Armstrong had a heart for others. He made sure the orchestra members were paid extra for their overtime. In the end, he accepted only $250 musicians union scale for his work. Louis Armstrong's recording was inducted in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.
Ready to share in this wonderful world?
Such Powerful Lyrics and a Great Reminder
"What A Wonderful World"
I see trees of green, red roses too, I see them bloom, for me and you, and I think to myself, what a wonderful world. I see skies of blue, and clouds of white, the bright blessed day, the dark sacred night, and I think to myself, what a wonderful world. The colors of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky, are also on the faces, of people going by. I see friends shaking hands, saying, "How do you do?" They're really saying, "I love you." I hear babies cry, I watch them grow. They'll learn much more, than I'll never know. and I think to myself, what a wonderful world. Yes, I think to myself...what a wonderful world.
About Lance Lubin
Lance was in his first musical theater production at age 10 and has spent the last 55 years in music and the performing arts, spending years operating a music school and playing in bands, doing numbers of USO tours.
He is a Certified Director with the Barbershop Harmony Society and is the director of the Florida Suncoast Chorus, a mixed (men and women) a cappella chorus in the Tampa Bay Area.
In addition, he is the lead singer in the fifth-ranked quartet in the state of Florida, Dewey, Singum, and Howe.
Dewey, Singum and Howe?
If you have never heard a Barbershop Quartet - you should. It's great fun and will bring a smile to your heart. We thought you might like to have a listen. Here you go! It's a good time to hear our National Anthem - here is Dewey, Singum & Howe singing the Anthem for the Tampa Bay Rays.
Lance is currently performing a live song every evening on Facebook live. Please join him at every night at 9:45PM EST at:
If you liked the Barbershop Quartet, please also visit their facebook page at:
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Mariam Haddad,
CEO & Founder
Excite. Engage. Ignite. Amplify℠
Credits:
What a Wonderful World
Performance by:
Singer & Guitarist: Lance Lubin
Video Production Team: Shafique Pappa
© Mariam Haddad. All Rights Reserved.
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