The Men of Harmony
Musical Journey with the Men of Harmony
Part 2: Our Values - Traditions & Preservation
As hazy summer sunlight shines through the American tapestry of traditional folk music, hues of red, white, and blue dance across a landscape of perspectives. Who we are, what we believe, and what we do is a direct reflection of who we were, what we knew, and what we did. We tell stories and sing songs that have been told and sung long before our own stories began. The Men of Harmony honor these traditions with outstanding performances and renditions of many popular American traditional songs.
American traditional songs hold a unique place in our hearts and continue to inspire generations, even as the eras they were born from have long faded into history. At the heart of these melodies and lyrics lie stories, emotions, and shared experiences that resonate as profoundly today as they did when first sung. Songs like "Old Man River," "This is My Country," "Shenandoah," and "I Believe" capture the essence of Americana, each offering a glimpse into the spirit and soul of a nation soon celebrating its 250th birthday.
"Old Man River" (Click to hear the Song), from the musical Show Boat, written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II, paints a vivid picture of the struggles and resilience of African American laborers along the Mississippi River. The river itself becomes a metaphor for life's enduring flow amidst hardship and constant change. The haunting melody and poignant lyrics solidify this song as a staple in choral repertoires, including the Men of Harmony's “Showboat Medley.” With our men's choir originating from the gritty determination of a US Steel mill, the themes of labor and resilience in "Old Man River" strike a particularly powerful chord.
"This is My Country"(Click to hear the Song), a patriotic anthem by Don Raye and Al Jacobs, embodies a deep sense of national pride and unity. Its lyrics evoke a shared love for the homeland, reminding us of the collective identity that binds us as Americans. The harmonies blend individual voices into a unified declaration of loyalty and belonging. For a choir with roots in America's industrial heartland, this song is more than just an anthem; it's a tribute to the spirit of the working man and the pride in our country's ideals.
"Shenandoah"(Click to hear the Song), is a traditional American folk song that tells of the majestic Shenandoah River and the longing for home it inspires. Its origins are somewhat mysterious, adding to its nostalgic allure. The song speaks of a universal yearning for connection and place. “Shenandoah” evokes feelings that paint a perspective of the timeless beauty of the American landscape, bringing a sense of peace and reflection to both singers and listeners.
Elvis Presley's "I Believe"(Click to hear the Song), brings a message of faith, hope, and conviction that transcends time. Written by Ervin Drake, Irvin Graham, Jimmy Shirl, and Al Stillman, and popularized by the King himself, this song reflects the deep-seated American belief in perseverance and the power of faith. For our choir, singing "I Believe" is an affirmation of the collective strength in spirit and camaraderie that guides and carries us through life.
The enduring popularity of these traditional songs lies in their ability to connect us to our past while still resonating with the here and now. They remind us of where we've come from, the struggles and triumphs that have shaped us, and the values that continue to guide us forward. For our men's choir, these songs are not solely performances; they are living pieces of history, echoing the experiences of our community and the broader American experience.
As a choir born from the industrious spirit of a US Steel mill, we find special meaning in these songs. They reflect our journey, our heritage, and our shared identity. It’s an honor to bring these timeless songs to life, creating moments of shared joy and reflection into what and who we all are. Whether through the soulful strains of "Old Man River," the patriotic fervor of "This is My Country," the serene longing of "Shenandoah," or the hopeful uplift of "I Believe,", each performance serves as a tribute to those who came before us and as a beacon of inspiration for future generations.
-Marc L. (First Tenor)
Part 1: 1951 the Early Years
The Men of Harmony started back in 1951 as the United States Steel Chorus at the Fairless Works in Fairless Hills Pennsylvania. Looking back to our founding year the following music was most played by Jockeys on the air waves:
January-February
“The Tennessee Waltz” Patti Page with Orchestra conducted by Jack Rael
Tennessee Waltz (youtube.com) Provided to YouTube by Universal Music Group
March
“If” Perry Como with Mitchell Ayres and his Orchestra
If (youtube.com) Provided to YouTube by RCA Record Label
April-May
“How High the Moon” Les Paul and Mary Ford
How High The Moon (Remastered) (youtube.com) Provided to YouTube by Universal Music Group
June-July
“Too Young” Nat King Cole with Orchestra conducted by Les Baxter
Too Young (youtube.com) Provided to YouTube by Universal Music Group
August
“Come On-a My House” Rosemary Clooney with Stan Freeman, Mundell Lowe, Jimmy Crawford, and Frank Caroll
Come On A-My-House (youtube.com) Provide to YouTube by Universal Music Group
September-October
“Because of You” Tony Bennett with Orchestra under the direction of Percy Faith
Because Of You (youtube.com) Provide to YouTube by Columbia
November-December
“(It’s No) Sin” Eddy Howard and his Orchestra
Sin (It's No) Sin (youtube.com) Provide to YouTube by Universal Music Group
Source: Wikipedia List of Billboard number-one singles of 1951 - Wikipedia
Men of Harmony Sharing Inspirational Music Memories
Like father, like son...
Like father, like son...
My favorite memories from the chorus are when my dad asked me to join the US Steel Chorus, I was so nervous, but he took me under his wing as all dad’s do with their sons and nurtured me along to give me confidence to sing with an amazing group of guys. Going over to Barry's house (former Director) to sing with a few guys and rehearse songs. Another great memory is when we sang “This old hammer”. We would change the words to " Old Man Mueller (a former bass member of the choir), he just keeps rolling along. It was also an honor to be President of the greatest bunch of misfit guys whom I will always love for their friendship and comradery.
Bob T. (30 ½ Years with the Men of Harmony, Secretary, Tenor)
Source YouTube Provided by The Orchard Enterprises: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1K_qWV4yqQ0
I met you before...
Like father, like son...
Growing up in the old neighborhood, me and the boys, wearing our jeans and white t's, would wonder down to the local street corner to hang out and sing, in harmony. One of my favorites songs to perform was "Where and When" by Dion and the Belmonts. Every time I listen to this song it transports me back to my youth and simpler times serenading those strolling by in the old neighborhood.
- Mike P. (7 1/2 Years with the Men of Harmony, Baritone)
Source YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUwBfwtvssw
Bright side of life...
Solitude in the Driveway...
I’ve loved music for as long as I can remember. There are so many memories attached to turning on the Sony CD/Radio combination stereo that was nestled under the small bar in my childhood home’s dining room. However, this memory doesn’t even come from that CD player; it comes from the silver screen and eventually, the Broadway stage (two other media I love!).
Monty Python’s “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” was a common singalong between my mom and I. The British comedy troupe Monty Python always made us laugh hysterically with their witty, often dark humor. This song is often associated with gallows humor, telling the listener “to look on the bright side of life” even in the most difficult, morbid, or saddest of times. I lost my mom to cancer when I was 16, she was only 47; this event changed my life forever. Yet I’ve always tried my best to “look on the bright side” and remember her and I singing this song together, or seeing the original cast of SPAMALOT on Broadway in 2005, which are some of the best memories I hold of her and I.
“When life seems jolly-rotten, there’s something you’ve forgotten, And that’s to laugh and smile and dance and SING!”
- Marc (6 months with the Men of Harmony, First Tenor)
Source:
Monty Python - Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life (Official Lyric Video) (youtube.com)
Solitude in the Driveway...
Solitude in the Driveway...
I am a trombone player and enjoy listening to trombone ensembles. There is an album called The London Trombone Sound. On there is "Someone to Watch Over Me" performed with only trombones and no vocals.
I would sit in my car, parked in my driveway, and listen to that song with my eyes closed. Something about it was relaxing and peaceful. It is still one of my favorite versions of "Someone to Watch Over Me" to this day.
-Allan F. (13 years with the Men of Harmony, First Tenor, Asst. Director and Trombone player)
https://www.calarecords.com/acatalog/info_CACDS4108.html(Listen to #3 “Someone to Watch Over Me”)
Source: Cala Records (www.calarecords.com)
Goosebumps Every Time...
I was present when my sister Donna sung her version of “I Believe in You and Me”, by the 4 Tops, at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia. It gave me goosebumps then and the song still does now whenever I hear it.
Steve C. (10 years with the Men of Harmony, Bass)
Update: Here is an actual video of Donna's performance, we are grateful for being able to experience her beautiful performance and voice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mF9r-SDtIA
Source YouTube 4 Tops: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7fBw3ksYQU
Childhood & Parenthood Memories...
A song that triggers memories from my childhood, as well as parenthood, is Don McLean’s Bye, Bye, Miss American Pie. Released in 1971, the song brings me back to when I was 10 years old. I would always ask my parents to turn up the radio when it came on. It is the first song I taught my daughter to sing whenever we were on an errand together in the car. At three years old, the expression on my wife’s face, when the chorus part came on and our daughter started singing “…drinking whisky and rye….” was priceless!
-Bernie (23 years with the Men of Harmony, Baritone, and Asst. Business Manager)
Source: YouTube: Don McLean https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRpiBpDy7MQ
Explore the World of Music
The Mental Health Benefits of Singing in a Choir
The Mental-Health Benefits of Singing in a Choir
A body of research finds singing in a group boosts mood, outlook, and health.
Updated July 6, 2023 | Reviewed by Gary Drevitch
KEY POINTS
- A body of research shows that choir singing promotes wellness.
- Choir singers report better relationships, a higher quality of life, and greater wellness than non-singers.
- A study of cancer caregivers and patients found choir singing reduced anxiety and boosted the immune system.
Read the full article here:
Why Singing...
You may be asking yourself, how can singing help health and wellbeing? Well, the evidence is overwhelming...
There's a wealth of research that proves the benefits of singing on health and wellbeing across the lifespan. One of the Sing Up Foundation's goals through our work is to expand upon the knowledge base for studies specifically involving young people. Below, we've highlighted a few of the benefits of singing in relation to overall health and wellbeing which can be categorised into four main areas - psychological, social, physiological and behavioural.
There are many more studies available and more research is being published all the time. Keep an eye on our site where we will aim to highlight relevant and interesting developments in the area.
Read the full article here:
Music and Memory
We've all experienced this: hearing a song triggers a memory. For me, for example, the song Peggy Sue (Buddy Holly and the Crickets, 1957) triggers a memory of a car ride in the 1950s, driving through my hometown, with the song on the radio, and my Mom at the wheel of our rounded, light-blue Plymouth. I could go on and list dozens, or hundreds of songs and associated memories. There's something special about music and memory.
Read the full article here:
Source: https://www.brainfacts.org/Thinking-Sensing-and-Behaving/Learning-and-Memory/2013/Music-and-Memory
The Benefits of Music for People with Alzheimer’s or Dementia
Several studies support the use of music therapy and other musical activities to help reduce Alzheimer’s symptoms. Different types of music interventions have been shown to affect different symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
Read the full article here:
Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/alzheimers/music-for-alzheimers
Quotes about Music Therapy
Quotes about Music Therapy
"Music therapy helps speech, but also motor skills, memory and balance. Also emotionally uplifting."
- Dr. Sanjay Gupta
"Music therapy, to me, is music performance without the ego. It’s not about entertainment as much as its about empathizing. If you can use music to slip past the pain and gather insight into the workings of someone else’s mind, you can begin to fix a problem. "
- Jodi Picoult
(Author of Sing You Home)
"When we look at the body of evidence that the arts contribute to our society, it's absolutely astounding. Music Therapists are breaking down the walls of silence and affliction of autism, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease."
- Michael Greene, President & CEO of NARAS
(1997 Grammy Awards)
"(Rhythm) is there in the cycles of the seasons, in the migrations of the birds and animals, in the fruiting and withering of plants, and in the birth, maturation and death of ourselves," Hart told a Senate panel studying music therapy.
- Mickey Hart
(The Grateful Dead - REUTERS, Aug. 1, 1991)
The power of music: how it can benefit health
“I think music in itself is healing,” American musician Billy Joel once said. “It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.” Most of us would wholeheartedly agree with this statement, and it is this universal bond with music that has led researchers across the globe to investigate its therapeutic potential.
Read the full article here: