Music

November 24, 2022

Aretha Franklin Once Saved the Day by Stepping up To Sing Opera

As the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin was known for her powerful and moving voice that earned her a place among the best singers of all time. Although her greatest hits include songs such as “Respect,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” she once saved the day by performing something completely different than her repertoire—an opera aria.

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November 18, 2022

Woman Forbidden From Being a Musician as a Child Releases Album at 95 and Wins Latin Grammy

We’re often told that there's no age limit to chase your goals, but it's truly inspiring to see someone achieve them later in life—especially if they are 95 years old. Angela Alvarez is a Cuban-born singer and songwriter who, after putting aside her dream of pursuing a career in entertainment for decades, finally released her debut album in 2021. Now, she has just won the Latin Grammy for Best New Artist.

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October 20, 2022

Choir Boys Sing a “Cat Duet” That Is Composed Entirely of Meows

For centuries, cats have served as companions and muses for artists. And while we usually see the results of this creative relationship in paintings, musicians have also used their craft to celebrate felines. One of the most humorous examples of this is a unique 1800s opera with unknown origins called the Duetto buffo di due gatti, or “Funny duet for two cats” in English.

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September 29, 2022

Lizzo Played a 200-Year-Old Crystal Flute During a Concert, Revealing the Sounds of History

American singer and rapper Lizzo gave an unforgettable performance on September 26, 2022. However, it was not her iconic hits or dance moves that stole the show. Lizzo partnered with the Library of Congress to give a rare performance of President James Madison's crystal flute that hasn't been heard in 200 years. While Lizzo is famous for her Grammy-winning album and electric concerts, she began her musical career as a classically trained flutist.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.