Iowa Stubborn - The Music Man

So Iowa.  Land of corn, wind turbines, and Blue Bunny Ice Cream.  For those who think Iowa is a little backwards, I might also point out that it was an extremely early adoptor of significant laws regarding racial equality, as well as being the third state in the US to allow same sex marriage.

Today's song is from the musical The Music Man - whose plot chronicles the activities of con man Harold Hill, who poses as a boys' band organizer and leader and sells band instruments and uniforms to naive townsfolk before skipping town with the cash, but then he falls in love, etc.  It's a lovely feel-good show with some of the most recognizable tunes (like "76 Trombones," "Ya Got Trouble," and "Till There Was You".

Happy listening!

Original Broadway Cast of 'The Music Man' – Iowa Stubborn

Indiana - Jon McLaughin

I have a confession to make... I am smitten with this Jon McLaughin guy.  He could make an album about clubbing baby seals and I think I would listen to the whole thing and love it. He has a gorgeoud, smoky voice, a gift for musical storytelling, and an innate sense of sensitive musicianship that makes me just feel like a richer human being.

He is also smokin' hot.  I mean, look at this guy.

I found this song (and Jon) for the first time while digging for music that fit my continuing "journey through the United States" series. I have listened to it everyday for a week, taught myself the piano part, and am ready to sing it for open mic night. Needless to say, I like it - and I hope you like it as much as I do.

Happy listening!

Jon McLaughlin – Indiana  

Illinois Anthem - Chicago Farmer

Now for something completely different.

This is a ballad about a pair of slighted lovers who get revenge on the girl who wronged them. (Their methods cannot be endorsed, however. Do not do what they did, very bad.)

Happy listening!

Chicago Farmer – Illinois Anthem

Idaho - Feeder

I hadn't ever heard of Feeder before researching this post.  This British pop-metal group has been around in some form since the late 90's, and have had a number of hits over the years.

With a vibrant, clear musical styling (I would describe them as elegant rock), they have a robust catalog of some great music.  Definitely worth a listen.

Happy listening!

Feeder – Idaho

Two Weeks in Hawaii - Hellogoodbye

Today's song is an example of "emo-rock" and this band is a really fun one. Hellogoodbye is a great indie group from the mid-2000's, and although they have changed a bit over the past few years, their music is still sweet, sugary fun.

Happy listening!

Hellogoodbye – Two Weeks In Hawaii

Sweet Georgia Brown - David Grisman and Doc Watson

Two great American artists are featured in today's SongSupper selection.  David Grisman and Doc Watson were two phenomenal musicians who helped shape generations of music in their respective domains.

David Grisman (nicknamed "Dawg" by his close friend Jerry Garcia) is an acoustic musician who continues to shape new music with his Bluegrass-influenced sound. Doc Watson, who died just two weeks ago at the age of 89, was an extremely prolific performer, and was an important figure in the American folk music revival of the 1960's.

Happy listening!

David Grisman – Sweet Georgia Brown

Florida - Patty Griffin

Florida is represented in the ongoing march of states by Patty Griffin, a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter.

This song is from her 2004 album, Impossible Dream. The sound is a little blues, a little country, and a little bit soul.  Her rich alto voice and clever word-smithing is what caught my attention - hope you like it.

Happy listening!

Patty Griffin – Florida