Tag: music

Historical Topics, History in Popular Culture

The Wreck of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald and its Legacy in the Great Lakes

Madi Campbell November 10, 2025, marks the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, and its legacy undoubtedly continues to haunt Lake Superior. Once the largest Great Lakes freighter, the doomed ship was famously immortalized in Canadian folk singer Gordon Lightfoot’s 1976 song “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” solidifying its status as a folk symbol. Each year, communities around the lake … Continue reading The Wreck of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald and its Legacy in the Great Lakes

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Historical Topics

Part II: What’s on my Cherry Blossom playlist? A personal exploration of the music history behind my favorite songs for spring

Sareena Dubey With Cherry Blossom Season just around the corner, I’m excited to unveil this year’s carefully curated selection of cherry blossom viewing music. This collection features a delightful mix of groovy tunes with compelling backstories. Join me as I explore some of my favorite tracks for this magical time of year and uncover the fascinating tales behind them. “Oh Honey” stands as an iconic … Continue reading Part II: What’s on my Cherry Blossom playlist? A personal exploration of the music history behind my favorite songs for spring

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Historical Topics

What’s on my Cherry Blossom Playlist?

A personal exploration of the music history behind my favorite songs for spring! Sareena Dubey Set to the backdrop of billowing cherry blossom petals and a Tidal Basin burgeoning with people, Masayoshi Takanaka’s song “Beleza Pula” interrupts the peace with the sharply spoken phrase “Beleza Pula, Malandro!” The distinct birdlike sound of the cuica contrasts with the soft background vocals which trail the upbeat melody … Continue reading What’s on my Cherry Blossom Playlist?

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Historical Topics

Finish That Riff: A History of Musical Borrowing in Three Quarter Notes

Casey Donahue Tap your feet to the tempo of a brisk walk—about 110 beats-per-minute, depending on your gait. Now count out measures of four. Next, imagine the warm staccato thud of a bass guitar punctuating the first three quarter notes of each measure. If you loop that beat in your head, you may start to hear something familiar. What you hear is not a test, … Continue reading Finish That Riff: A History of Musical Borrowing in Three Quarter Notes

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