Song Spotlight: “You Can’t Make Old Friends”

Faded green older vehicle with luggage on the top, suggesting an imminent road trip. Song spotlight genre label reads "country."

Mood: Sentimental, Nostalgic, Reflective  Themes: Friendship, Country, Companionship Tempo: Moderate   Genre/Style: Country, Country Ballad  “You Can’t Make Old Friends” is a touching duet by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton released as part of Kenny Rogers’s 2013 album of the same name. Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton are two country musicians who shared a lasting friendship…

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Song Spotlight: “You’ve Got A Friend”

Four people stand on the edge of a hill looking towards a sunset with their arms around each other and back to the camera. Song spotlight genre label reads, "folk rock/soft rock."

Mood: Comforting, Supportive Themes: Friends, Friendships, Emotions  Tempo: Slow & Relaxed Genre/Style: Folk-rock, Soft Rock “You’ve Got A Friend” is a song written by Carole King for her 1971 album Tapestry.  The song’s comforting melody and heartfelt lyrics have made it an enduring anthem of friendship and support. In a world filled with uncertainties and…

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Song Spotlight: Qongqothwane (The Click Song)

Photo of a black beetle with a hard shell and four visible skinny legs, sitting on a light surface with greenery in the background. Song spotlight label reads "African folk-pop"

Mood: Lively, Lighthearted  Themes: South African folk, Song about bugs and insects Tempo: Upbeat  Genre/Style: Folk, South African folk-pop  “Qongqothwane” is a South African folk song, specifically a song of the Xhosa people. This song is often known as “The Click Song” in the western world as its Xhosa title with click consonants is difficult…

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Song Spotlight: “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)”

A view of the ocean with clear blue sky and a strip of sand at the bottom of the photo. Palm leaves poke out of the top corners of the photo. Song spotlight genre label reads, "calypso."

Mood: Optimistic, Lighthearted  Themes: Jamaican folk  Tempo: Upbeat  Genre/Style: Folk, Calypso In 1956, Jamaican-American singer Harry Belafonte released his single “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” that became one of his signature songs.  The Banana Boat Song is a Jamaican folk song that likely originated around the beginning of the 20th century. The song was sung…

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Song Spotlight: “Coat of Many Colors”

Coat with fluffy looking fabric in different patches of colors, including red, blue, yellow and green. Song spotlight genre label reads "country."

Mood: Inspirational, Optimistic Themes: Country songs, Reminiscing, Life Experience  Tempo: Moderate  Genre/Style: Country March is Women’s History Month in the United States, a month dedicated to honoring incredible women and their contributions to society. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we look up to the music icon Dolly Parton, who has dedicated her life to…

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Song Spotlight: “I Get Around”

Black and white photo of five clean cut young white men in 1960s style - The Beach Boys. Song spotlight genre label reads "early surf rock."

Mood: Positive, Restless Themes: Travel, Family Bands, The California Sound Tempo: Allegro, Upbeat Genre/Style: Early Surf Rock In the midst of the winter months, sometimes it is nice to change up the scenery and break out of the regular day to day routine, even if it is only through music and pictures. Why not take…

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Video: Musical Moments

Too often, when we’re thinking about music in caregiving – or even “being musical” in general – we’re thinking about big events (going to a show or giving a performance) or long-term commitments (learning a new instrument or joining a band). But musical moments – short, sweet, shared experiences in music that may only be…

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Song Spotlight: “The Spring Breeze Kisses My Face (春风吻上我的脸)”

Chinese style lanterns against a red decorative background. Song spotlights label reads, "Lunar New Year"

Mood: Lively, Happy  Themes: Lunar New Year, Spring, Chinese Pop Tempo: Moderate, Danceable Genre/Style: Chinese music, Lunar New Year music The Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays celebrated among Asian communities. Lunar New Year is known by different names across different cultures and communities around the world. The Chinese Lunar New…

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Musical Trivia Game To Try At Home

Various musical notes in different neon colors scattered across a white background. Label reads "various genres"

With cold weather and short days, a fun inside musical game is just the thing to bring some joy to the day. Why not try out a bit of timeline trivia with your care partners? What you need:  Access to a greatest hits album (either a hard copy on CD or LP, or digitally on…

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Song Spotlight: “59th Street Bridge Song/Feelin’ Groovy”

Photo of a young Simon and Garfunkel. Song spotlights genre label reads, "folk rock."

Mood: Cheerful Themes: Happiness, Famous Duos, Simon and Garfunkel Tempo: Moderate Genre/Style: Folk Rock Simon and Garfunkel were a musical duo that rose to fame in an unusual way in the 1960s.   Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel initially went to grade school together, where they learned to harmonize and write songs together. Their first…

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