Tag: music

“13 Going On 30” and Billy Joel’s “Vienna”

On By Elizabeth Rosalyn TheIn MusicLeave a comment

13 Going on 30 struck a chord with me when I was 15. Like Jenna Rink, I aspired to be like the pretty, popular, and successful women that I saw the magazines, and I anticipated the day when those dreams would come to fruition. With my mind always focused on the future, I often forgot to appreciate the joyful, carefree days of being a teenager and the importance of living in the moment.

In the scene where Jenna travels back home after realizing how much of a mess her adult life is, Billy Joel’s “Vienna” poignantly plays in the background. That was the first time that I had ever heard that song, and I considered it to be a profound moment because it caused me to re-evaluate my ‘grow up and get out’ mentality on life.

Slow down, you crazy child
You’re so ambitious for a juvenile
But then if you’re so smart, tell me
Why are you still so afraid?

Where’s the fire, what’s the hurry about?
You’d better cool it off before you burn it out
You’ve got so much to do and
Only so many hours in a day

But you know that when the truth is told
That you can get what you want or you get old
You’re gonna kick off before you even get halfway through
When will you realize, Vienna waits for you?

Highlights from the 2012 Grammy Awards

On By Elizabeth Rosalyn TheIn Entertainment, Music, TelevisionLeave a comment

As host LL Cool J said at the opening of the 54th Annual Grammy Awards, the night was about something truly universal and healing – music. Devastated by the passing of Whitney Houston (to whom this year’s ceremony is dedicated to), the music community paid their respects to the late, great vocalist by letting the beat go on. The music-makers celebrated this past year by recognizing the achievements of their fellow artists and by creating some of the finest and most memorable Grammy moments in the show’s history.

These were some of my favourite moments…

Continue reading “Highlights from the 2012 Grammy Awards” →

The Greatest Whitney Of All: Remembering Whitney Houston

On By Elizabeth Rosalyn TheIn Entertainment, MusicLeave a comment

My goodness. It seems like just yesterday when I was writing about Etta James’s passing. I can’t believe that we’re saying goodbye to yet another music legend – the remarkable Whitney Houston.

Whitney Houston is regarded by many as one of the greatest singers of our time. Since the 1980s, she has released multiple hits, from her first #1 record in 1985, “Saving All My Love for You” to her latest single, “I Look to You“. Even more, Whitney is esteemed as an artist who has touched millions of lives. Her songs resonate with people and inspire them to fall in love with music, to become music makers, and to follow their dreams, no matter what. In the wake of her death, I’ve heard many stories from her fans about how Whitney has had an tremendous influence on them. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” brings back fond high school memories. “I Will Always Love You” moves many to tears and encourages many aspiring singers to pursue careers in music. “When You Believe“, her duet with Mariah Carey, was an unforgettable moment for fans of the two superstars.

Along with “I Have Nothing“, which I consider to be one of the most powerful and passionate vocal performances of all time, I’d like to remember Whitney by “The Greatest Love Of All“. This song contains an important lesson I wish everyone could hear: “Love yourself for who you are“. There was something very human about Whitney. Like any person, she faced her share of challenges in life, but she worked hard to overcome the obstacles in her path. Whitney is an example of resilience and strength, and a symbol of empowerment to women who want to achieve greatness in their lives.

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we bid farewell to the iconic Whitney Houston. May you find the peace you deserve.

We will always love you, Whitney.

Carrie Underwood and Steven Tyler on CMT Crossroads

On By Elizabeth Rosalyn TheIn Music, TelevisionLeave a comment

She’s a little bit country, he’s a little bit rock and roll. Together, they make crazy good music!

Carrie Underwood and Steven Tyler are the latest musicians to team up for CMT Crossroads, a program that pairs country artists with stars from a different genre. Some of my favourite duos that resulted from Crossroads include Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson; and John Mayer with Keith Urban and Brad Paisley.

I thought pairing Carrie up with Steven again (they performed “Undo It / Walk This Way” during last year’s ACM Awards) was a really cool idea because they seem to have so much fun on stage together. Their setlist consisted of “Sweet Emotion / Love in an Elevator”, “Before He Cheats”, “Cryin'”, “Born to Be Wild”, and my favourite, an emotionally-charged mash-up of Carrie’s “Just a Dream” and Aerosmith’s “Dream On”.

I really hope that a duet between Carrie and Steven is in the works because I can’t get enough of this dynamic duo!

etta james

Remembering Etta James

On By Elizabeth Rosalyn TheIn MusicLeave a comment

The first time I can recall hearing “At Last” and really listening to the song was during a scene in Pleasantville, where the teenagers are at Lover’s Lane, with the fields coloured with fresh flowers in full bloom. Since then, I’ve always associated that image of the cherry blossoms blowing in the wind on a Spring afternoon with Etta James’s beautiful ballad on the joy of finally finding your one true love.

“At Last” is a favourite for couples in love, for hopeless romantics, for sentimentalists who long for the sweet sounds of yesteryear, and for the countless musicians who are inspired by Etta.

Etta James has left behind a lasting legacy with her timeless, soulful voice. Thank you for giving us one of the greatest love songs of all time.

Rest peacefully, songbird.

You smiled and then the spell was cast
And here we are in heaven
For you are mine, at last