MUSIC AMERICANA: MASTERY OF THE ART

Rod MacDonald

DESCRIPTION: What makes a song or a performer beloved? Is it the celebrated performer? Is it the moment when the song or artist arrives, or a lifetime of enjoying a singer who never lets you down? From the soaring trumpet of Harry James, to the wildest dreams of the Moody Blues; from the international soul of Nana Mouskouri, to the streetwise portraits of Harry Chapin; from the enduring melodies of Jerome Kern, to the close harmonies of the Bee Gees; and from the smooth sound of Johnny Mathis, to the raw emotion of Adele, great musical artists create the moods, the historic times and the memories of our lives—one song at a time. This series will examine the work, biographies and enduring importance of these legendary musical artists, and attempt to sort myth from reality, using videos, excerpts from feature films, live performances, and a few surprises!

EIGHT LECTURES:

1. When Jazz Was King: Gene Krupa, Harry James, Helen Forrest
   
2. Unforgettable Voices: Ethel Merman, Nana Mouskouri, Julio Iglesias
   
3. Writing for the Big Stage: Jerome Kern, Stephen Sondheim
   
4. The Art of Singing: Johnny Mathis, Celine Dion
   
5. The British Invasion: Herman’s Hermits, the Moody Blues, the Bee Gees
   
6. Telling a Story: Jim Croce, Harry Chapin, Don McLean
   
7. The Piano Men: Randy Newman, Billy Joel
   
8. The New British Invasion: Adele, Amy Winehouse, Susan Boyle

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Rod MacDonald began his career as a singer/ songwriter in Greenwich Village in New York City, in 1973. He has 21 songs in the Smithsonian Folkways collection and has released eleven CDs, including the 2011 releases Songs Of Freedom and Dylan Jam + 2 with his group, Big Brass Bed. He performs at festivals, at concerts and in clubs, locally and throughout North America and Europe. He was named Best Local Acoustic Performer in Broward and Palm Beach counties by the New Times, and one of the “10 Magnificent Musicians” of Palm Beach County by the Palm Beach Post.