Which Voice Contestants Went on to Real Fame? Check it Out

 

To Date, Here Are 5 of The Biggest Stars to Come Out of The Voice

You know, I've been a fan of The Voice for years—probably over a decade now. And thanks to the magic of TikTok, I've fallen down more than a few rabbit holes watching short clips from The Voice UK, The Voice Kids, and even auditions from countries I didn't expect—like Germany, Indonesia, and South Africa. There's something about those blind auditions and spinning chairs that just pulls me in every time.

After digging into the history of The Voice, I found a few fun factoids I thought you might like, too. The show actually started way back in 2010 in the Netherlands, created by John de Mol (yep, the same guy who helped create Big Brother). 

Since then, it's exploded across the globe with over 60 international versions. You can now catch The Voice in countries like the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Mexico, South Africa, Italy, Indonesia, the Philippines, Sweden, Argentina, and many more.

Now, while The Voice has given the world thousands of notable singers, not all of them have gone on to become household names. Who are some of the biggest stars to come out of The Voice? Who made a significant impact after the show was over?

"After conducting some research (and encountering a few surprises), I've found the following. By the way, this is my personal research; feel free to dispute any of these, or add people you think belong on this list! Leave your opinion in the comments." 

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🌟 Top 5 Most Successful Contestants from The Voice – Worldwide

These are the ones who not only wowed us on the show but also went on to sell records, earn awards, and build actual careers. Let's break it down:

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1. Morgan Wallen

(The Voice USA, Season 6 – 2014, Team Usher initially, then Team Adam)

Okay, so this one shocked even me. Morgan Wallen was actually eliminated early in the playoffs, but he's become the biggest success story ever from The Voice.

Why he's #1:

• 🎧 Record Sales & Streams:

  • Over 35 million equivalent album sales (EAS) globally

  • Dangerous: The Double Album broke all kinds of country music streaming records

  • One Thing at a Time dominated the charts for weeks

• 💵 Estimated Earnings:

  • Net worth estimated between $25–30 million and rising fast

• 🏆 Awards:

  • ACM Album of the Year

  • Billboard Music Awards

  • CMT Music Awards

  • Holds records for most weeks on Billboard Country Charts

Bottom line: He didn't win the show, but he definitely won real-life stardom.

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2. Melanie Martinez

(The Voice USA, Season 3 – 2012, Top 6 Finalist)

Melanie had a style all her own from the start—quirky, artistic, emotional. And it turns out that unique identity is precisely what carried her beyond the show.

What she's accomplished:

• 🎧 Album Sales & Streams:

  • Cry Baby was certified Double Platinum in the U.S.

  • Albums like K-12 and Portals have cult followings

  • Billions of streams across platforms

• 💵 Estimated Earnings:

  • Net worth somewhere around $10–12 million

• 🏆 Impact:

  • While she's not mainstream radio famous, she's a huge streaming success, especially among younger listeners on TikTok and Spotify.

  • Strong merchandise sales and sold-out tours

Bottom line: She has built a loyal fan base and a full-blown brand on her own terms.

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3. Jordan Smith

(The Voice USA, Season 9 – 2015, Winner – Team Adam)

Jordan Smith's voice is the kind that makes you stop what you're doing and just listen. He made history with his chart performance during the show and continued to do so afterward.

Highlights:

• 🎧 Sales & Chart Success:

  • Became the highest-selling Voice contestant on iTunes during his season

  • Albums charted on Billboard's Christian and Adult Contemporary charts

• 💵 Estimated Earnings:

  • Estimated net worth around $2–3 million

• 🏆 Awards & Recognition:

  • Wrote "Ashes" for Celine Dion (Deadpool 2 soundtrack)

  • Billboard chart-topper in the Christian music space

Bottom line: Jordan found his lane in Christian and inspirational music, and is thriving.

Here's Jordan Smith's blind audition:

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4. Cassadee Pope

(The Voice USA, Season 3 – 2012, Winner – Team Blake)

Cassadee brought her pop-punk background from the band Hey Monday into country music, making it work. She was the first female winner of The Voice USA and used the win to launch a solid country career.

Career Snapshot:

• 🎧 Sales:

  • Frame by Frame hit No. 1 on Billboard's Country Albums chart

  • Single "Wasting All These Tears" sold 125,000 copies in its first week

  • Duet "Think of You" with Chris Young went Platinum

• 💵 Estimated Earnings:

  • Estimated around $4–5 million

• 🏆 Awards:

  • Grammy nomination

  • CMT Music Award

  • ACM Award nomination

Bottom line: A fan favorite who turned her win into long-term respect in the country scene.

Cassadee Pope performed this song on The Voice, and ever since, it's held a special place in my heart. When my dad passed, I wept listening to it. Those tears were part of my healing. The original is by Miranda Lambert, and it still brings me back to that time.

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5. Koryn Hawthorne

(The Voice USA, Season 8 – 2015, 4th Place – Team Pharrell)

She didn't win the show, but she's dominating the gospel and Christian charts today.

Why she made the list:

• 🎧 Chart Success:

  • Unstoppable topped Billboard's Top Gospel Albums

  • Single "Won't He Do It" stayed at No. 1 for 41 weeks (that's almost a whole year!)

• 💵 Estimated Earnings:

  • Net worth estimated at around $1–2 million

• 🏆 Awards & Nominations:

  • 2 Grammy nominations

  • Billboard and Stellar Gospel Awards

Bottom line: She's a star in her genre, with one of the most consistent post-show careers.

Here's Koryn's blind audition:

🎬 Final Thoughts

So there you have it! While not every Voice contestant goes on to global superstardom, a few have carved out seriously successful careers. And what's fascinating is that most of them didn't even win, which shows that sometimes, winning the show isn't the only path to success.

Whether it's country chart domination, like Morgan Wallen, quirky theatrical pop, like Melanie Martinez, or inspirational gospel, like Koryn Hawthorne, these artists have found their unique lane.

And if you're like me and still find yourself watching audition clips at 1 AM from The Voice UK or The Voice Kids Philippines, it's kind of nice to know that the show really can change lives—and sometimes, lead to something bigger than anyone expected.

Do you have a personal favorite from The Voice over the years?

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From American Idol to Icon: Five of The Most Successful Contestants

 

Who Acquired the Most Success After American Idol? (It's Not Just the Winners!)

Have you ever caught yourself wondering, Whatever happened to all those American Idol contestants? Same here. Some of them disappeared, while others became megastars. Since the show first aired in 2002, American Idol has had 22 seasons (as of 2024), and over the years, it has produced a mix of one-hit wonders, quiet careers, and a few absolute powerhouses.

So I got curious and decided to dig into it—not just who won, but who actually made it big after the show. And I'm talking real-world success: money, record sales, awards, tours, TV deals, the whole thing. Some names will be prominent (hello, Carrie), and a couple might surprise you. Spoiler alert: you don't have to win to win big.

Here's my rundown of the top 5 highest-earning American Idol contestants of all time.

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1. Carrie Underwood (Season 4 – Winner)

Carrie is basically the gold standard of American Idol success. She won Season 4 back in 2005, beating Bo Bice, and then she just took off. 

With over 70 million records sold worldwide, she has had hit after hit in country music, as well as numerous crossover successes. She's racked up 8 Grammy Awards, 16 ACM Awards, and more than I can count. 

She also has a fitness clothing line, a book, and that epic Sunday Night Football theme song she's been doing for years.

Estimated net worth: $140 million+

Not bad for someone who started out singing in church choirs, right?

Here's my favorite Carrie Underwood song, "See You Again." I dedicate this to my parents, whom I miss beyond this world, as I'm sure some of you understand only too well. Do you have a favorite Carrie Underwood song?

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2. Kelly Clarkson (Season 1 – Winner)

Kelly was the original Idol—literally. She won the very first season in 2002, beating Justin Guarini, and has stayed in the spotlight ever since. She has sold over 25 million albums, won three Grammy Awards, and now hosts The Kelly Clarkson Show, which has earned her multiple Daytime Emmy Awards. She has also been a coach on The Voice and has released several hit albums along the way.

Estimated net worth: $50–60 million

She's a powerhouse and honestly feels like a friend you've known for a long time. And she's still going strong.

Here's my favorite Kelly Clarkson performance of all time. She performed this on Idol, and watching it live, I remember the tears pouring down my face. She was expecting at the time. I know her life has taken another direction since then with her spouse. However, there's no denying the power of this performance. 

Do you have a favorite Kelly Clarkson song?

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3. Jennifer Hudson (Season 3 – 7th Place!)

Jennifer didn't even make the top five in her season—she came in seventh. That was the same year Fantasia won the award. But talk about making a comeback! 

Jennifer starred in Dreamgirls and won an Oscar, which is already a considerable achievement, but she didn't stop there. 

She has also won a Grammy, a Tony, and an Emmy, making her an EGOT winner (a distinction held by very few people on the planet). She's now hosting The Jennifer Hudson Show and continues to act, sing, and perform.

Estimated net worth: $30–40 million

Proof that you don't have to win the show to win in the end.

This is my favorite, off-the-cuff performance by Jennifer Hudson! 

She's often a Judge on The Voice UK, and the Judges are known to spontaneously perform. Ms. Hudson DELIVERS on this one!

Additionally, this song holds a special meaning for me personally. Back in the day, I was a figure skater, and this was one of the songs I skated to for my solo performance in the local ice show. It made my dad cry, in a good way.

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4. Adam Lambert (Season 8 – Runner-Up)

Adam was the runner-up in Season 8 (Kris Allen won that year), but he's one of the biggest breakout stars in Idol history. 

He launched a solo career right away and then became the lead singer for Queen (yes, that Queen), touring the world with them as "Queen + Adam Lambert." 

He has sold over 5 million albums and 45 million singles, and his stage presence is truly next level.

Estimated net worth: $35 million+

He brought glam rock back and gave Queen a whole new chapter.

Adam Lambert is my favorite.

This performance at the Queen's Jubilee Party in 2022 is fun!

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5. Chris Daughtry (Season 5 – 4th Place)

Chris came in fourth during Season 5 (Taylor Hicks won, and Katharine McPhee was runner-up), but that didn't slow him down at all. He launched his band Daughtry right after and released a debut album that became one of the fastest-selling rock albums in history, with over 7 million copies sold. His gritty voice and rock style stood out at the time, and they still do.

Estimated net worth: $10 million+

He's stayed true to his sound and continues to tour and release music.

I don't have a favorite Chris Daughtry song, but this one shows his incredible voice.

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So—Who's Your Favorite?

That's my roundup! Whether they won, placed, or got eliminated early, these five made the most of their time on Idol. I'm always amazed at how different their paths turned out to be.

Do you have a favorite American Idol contestant or winner from over the years? Did someone surprise you on this list? I'd love to know who you think should've made it—or maybe who you wish had.

I just want to add that, in no way, do I believe that money "defines" a person. I'm very curious to know who benefited the most from their time on Idol, whether they won or not.

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Step Back in Time With The Carpenters - Reflect, Cry, Enjoy

 

Settle In and Relax with the Top 3 Songs by The Carpenters

If you're looking to wind down after a long day, few things are as soothing as the soft, melodic sounds of The Carpenters. 

Whether you're already a fan or just discovering them, these three timeless songs offer the perfect soundtrack for a peaceful evening. Their harmonies invite you to slow down, breathe, and simply enjoy the music.

Who Were The Carpenters?

The Carpenters were a brother-sister duo—Karen and Richard Carpenter—who rose to fame in the 1970s with their uniquely gentle pop sound. Karen's rich, warm contralto voice became their signature, backed by Richard's polished arrangements and piano work.

Tragically, Karen Carpenter passed away in 1983 at just 32 years old due to complications related to anorexia nervosa. Her untimely death brought public awareness to eating disorders at a time when the topic was rarely discussed. Richard Carpenter, her older brother, is still alive and has continued to preserve their musical legacy.

Despite their relatively short time together as a performing act, the Carpenters left behind a catalog of deeply touching and beautifully arranged songs. Below are three of their most iconic and beloved tracks.

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1. We've Only Just Begun

Often considered their most enduring hit, We've Only Just Begun captures the essence of hope and new beginnings. Originally written as a bank commercial jingle (yes, really!), it blossomed into a full-fledged love song that resonated deeply with young couples starting their lives together.

Karen's smooth voice paired with the gentle instrumental backdrop creates an atmosphere of optimism and serenity. It's been used in countless weddings over the years—and for good reason. Its melody and message wrap you in a warm, hopeful embrace.

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2. Close to You

"(They Long to Be) Close to You" was the Carpenters' breakout hit and marked their arrival on the mainstream music scene in 1970. It's hard to resist the gentle sway of this Burt Bacharach and Hal David classic, especially when delivered in Karen's effortless style.

This song has a sweetness that feels almost dreamy, as if it were written for quiet Sunday mornings or reflective evening strolls. Richard's arrangement gives it a simplicity that allows the emotion to take center stage. For many fans, this track embodies the essence of the soft pop genre itself.

I used to sing this song while rocking my babies to sleep. It brings back so many sweet memories of those early days.

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3. Rainy Days and Mondays

For those quieter, more introspective moments, Rainy Days and Mondays is the perfect companion. The song beautifully captures the feeling of melancholy without becoming heavy or dark. It's the kind of song that makes you feel understood—even comforted—when you're not quite yourself.

Karen's voice here is especially moving, as she conveys vulnerability with great poise and grace. The lyrics touch on the universal experience of those off-days, but in a way that feels healing rather than hopeless. It's a gentle reminder that everyone has gray days, and music can be a soft place to land.

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Let the Music Wrap Around You

These three songs by the Carpenters are more than just nostalgic hits—they're a gentle retreat from a noisy world. Whether you're reminiscing about the past or discovering their music for the first time, take a moment to let the harmonies wash over you.

Enjoy some nostalgia. Take time to relax. Let the Carpenters be the soundtrack to your calm evening.

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The Best Of Andy Williams Christmas Shows Review

Tis the holiday season and what are holidays without classic songs! And the perfect time to bring in a little holiday nostalgia courtesy of Andy Williams.

I happened upon this holiday gem while surfing Christmas shows that were streaming for free. What a find! The Andy Williams Christmas Shows were originally filmed from 1962-1974. This is a compilation from the Christmas shows, The Best Of Andy Williams Christmas Shows. 

The Voice

Smooth as silk as always, Andy Williams sings the classic and timeless holiday favorites. 

Songs included: Jingle Bells, I'll Be Home For Christmas, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Happy Holidays, What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?, Ave Maria, Mary's Little Boy Child, Silver Bells,  The Christmas Song, Holy Night, You Meet the Nicest People at Christmas.

Also included are the Williams Brothers! Don, Dick and Bob and Andy began as a quartet and reunited during the Andy Williams Christmas specials. Special appearances by Andy Williams family also include his mom.

The Sets

By today standards of television sets and costumes the Christmas sets are charmingly simple. But simple in a very very good way as the emphasis on the song. It is fun to look at the styles as a trip of reminiscing down vintage clothing lane. Also noted is the color coordination and classic style which holds up through the years (and may be in a store near you currently!)

At Home With Andy

One viewer aptly noted watching Andy Williams and his special guests at Christmas is like watching home movies with Andy at the holidays. What a great way to describe the feeling generated by Andy and his guests as they seamlessly harmonize through the classics.

Where To Find Freevee? And Is It Free?

Yes, the shows on the Freevee app are free and yes, access to the Freevee app is free! The app is actually loaded already on many devices and smart televisions. The app may not be evident on your device, so a search for the app can be started to see if the Freevee app is pre installed.

Amazon has announced in November 2024 it will begin integrating Freevee into the Amazon Prime service; the content will remain free and it is not required to have an Amazon Prime membership to view the content.

More Free Streaming Services

Free is relative (as in access to your local library!) But library memberships can open up a variety of  streaming services included with your membership. The library is the middle party and contracts with the services and access is via your library membership /library website.

Kanopy offers free movies with an emphasis on Indie films and documentaries.

Hoopla offers free books, movies and television shows.

Freegal offers music of every genre.

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Seasonlife Turntable Record Player Review

 For Fran's birthday this year, our daughter got her a Seasonlife turntable record player. It is something Fran has wanted for a long time. We have a huge collection of vinyl records that have been in storage for years, and now, we are enjoying them again.

In an age where digital music dominates, there's something uniquely satisfying about listening to vinyl records. We are old enough to remember when vinyl records were all we had for music besides the radio. 

Let's look back at how we listened to music over the years. After vinyl records came the 8-track tape players, cassette players, CDs, and digital downloads. I believe vinyl records are making a comeback. Our 18-year-old grandson Bobby, has a turntable and has started his own collection of vinyl records.

Features of our Seasonlife Turntable:

3-Speed Operation, It can play at 33 1/3, and 45 RPM a wide range of vinyl records.

Built-in Speakers: The turntable has integrated stereo speakers, providing a decent listening sound quality.

Bluetooth Connectivity: Bluetooth capability lets you stream wirelessly from your smartphone or other devices. 

Auto-Stop Function: This feature stops the turntable when the record ends, protecting your vinyl, and ensuring the needle doesn't wear down.

Our Seasonlife turntable delivers a warm rich sound and is easy to set up. We are now enjoying those wonderful sounds of the 70's along with some new vinyls we have purchased.

This Seasonlife Record Player is a perfect choice, whether you're looking to start or expand your vinyl collection, without breaking the bank.

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Record Player High Fidelity Turntable for Vinyl Records Built-in 4 Stereo Speakers All-in-One Vinyl Player Belt Drive Turn table MM Cartridge ATN-3600L Stylus 33 45 Speed BT Wireless Classic Black

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Amazon Prime All Access Reviewed

Let there be music! Chances are you may be an Amazon Prime customer, but have you utilized the All Access features for music playlists? All Access is a music feature on Amazon Prime that lets you create custom playlists plus curated playlists by Amazon.

Amazon curates play lists based on your library, browsing history, song or artist choice. The names of the playlists from the phone app are self explanatory: My Mix, My Frequent Plays, My Recent Plays, My Discovery Mix, Trending For You are a few.

My Discovery Mix

This playlist curated by Amazon is one of my favorites. A great way to discover artists based on your preferences and can be added to your library easily.

It can be difficult to keep up with all the features Amazon Prime offers and the All Access Playlist is a feature I recently found when exploring the phone app.

One Week On Demand of All Access

One of the best features of the All Access playlists is the ability to stream the playlist on demand and in the order of songs you desire. Ten playlist changes are allowed per day. I suggest taking the time to add your favorite songs to a playlist and then designate the playlist as All Access for easy access to your favorites.

As part of your membership one playlist can be All Access for a week. If you desire to further access the All Access playlists on demand then a monthly subscription is required.

Easy Playlists

The curated lists are great for music play and go when exercising. With a push of a "button" on your phone and you have quick access to your favorite tunes.  Amazon leaves it up to you as to how much work you want to put into creating playlists.

A heavier effort will lend itself to a very personal playlist with songs from the music library or songs previously purchased and downloaded. Less effort is accessing the Amazon curated playlists.

However, similar when browsing the interent, the search history can sometimes give incorrect preferences due to tracking  You may have a curiousity about an artist, search the artist, listen to a few songs, then decide you do care for the artist. Result?  The artist will probably start showing up in the curated lists. 

The Amazon Music App is a wonderful convenience for easy music play, curated music play or personally selected music play. Take advantage of the version included with your Amazon Prime membership!

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A Valentine's Day Music Collection

If you are looking for romantic Valentine's Day music, look no further. Take inspiration from this review of a few Valentine's Day music ideas. It includes a couple of my favorite soundtracks that are available on compact disc and a a couple of others that sound fantastic. I have arranged my picks by release date. Enjoy.

FRENCH KISS SOUNDTRACK (1995)

French Kiss is a great movie that also has a beautiful soundtrack with light pop music. The movie a very popular romantic comedy starring Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline. It features a variety of artists that you will recognize, including Van Morrison, Ella Fitzgerald and Zucchero. Find your copy of the French Kiss soundtrack here on Amazon.

CHOCOLATE SOUNDTRACK (2000)    

I will admit, I am biased because I thoroughly enjoyed the movie Chocolat but, regardless of whether or not you have seen the movie, if you appreciate instrumental music, you will find this soundtrack beautiful. The movie starred Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp and the CD transports you to the setting of the movie, small town France. It is a perfect backdrop for your Valentine's Day dinner.  Released in 2001, it contains about 40 minutes of perfectly romantic music. Find your copy of the Chocolat soundtrack here on Amazon.

DISNEY'S FAIRY TALE WEDDINGS (2005)

Another instrumental collection, people who love Disney's love stories will enjoy this compilation. It includes songs from Beauty and the Beast, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Lady and the Tramp and numerous other Disney shows. Whether you listen to this on a CD or through Amazon's streaming service, would be great background music for Valentine's Day. Find Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings here on Amazon.

MARTINA MCBRIDE'S MY HEART (2005)

Martina McBride’s CD My Heart was released by Hallmark for Valentine’s Day in 2005. It features eight romantic songs that were picked by McBride herself. Some are her own songs; others, covers. This CD is shorter than some but it was quite successful upon its release. McBride sounds lovely in this compilation, which is good for Valentine’s Day and any other romantic occasion even a wedding. If you want to add it to your collection note that I found a better selection of this CD from sellers on eBay. Look for Martina McBride's My Heart here on eBay.

VALENTINE'S DAY SOUNDTRACK (2010)

Released slightly more recently in 2010, the soundtrack to the Valentine's Day movie is another great choice. The movie included a wide variety of popular actors including Julia Roberts, Jamie Foxx and Anne Hathaway. The CD includes recordings from a wide variety of artists who you will recognize including the likes of Taylor Swift, Willie Nelson, Jewel, Amy Winehouse, Nat King Cole and Maroon 5. Find your copy of the Valentine's Day soundtrack here on Amazon.

NOW THAT'S WHAT I CALL A LOVE SONG (2023)

Definitely the newest in this series, this set was released in February of 2023 from the people who have presented more than 110 CDs in the NOW Music series. This compilation is packed with new and old love songs by artists you know including but not limited to the likes of Ed Sheeran, Fugees, Sam Smith, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Elton John, Sting, Billy Joel, Norah Jones, Seal, Lana Del Ray, Kacey Musgraves, Nelly Furtado, Miley Cyrus, Dua Lipa, Ariana Grande, Kylie Minogue, Little Mix, Justin Bieber, John Mayer, Cold Play, Pretenders, Robbie Williams and Christina Aguilera. I think this one would make great listening for anyone but would be especially fun for a mixed generation gathering since it presents something for everyone. Find your copy of Now That's What I Call A Love Song here on Amazon. If you want a mix of music that includes today's artists, this is the compilation for you.

Do you have any favorite Valentine's Day music?

Happy Valentine's Day!

Brenda

Treasures By Brenda

QUICK LINKS:

Discover the movie CHOCOLAT.

Love chocolate and France? You will enjoy the movie Chocolat!

Discover the French Kiss movie and soundtrack.

Yes, I love French Kiss. Learn more here.

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Bing Crosby - Reviewed

Bing Crosby - Reviewed
Photo credit: Getty Free Images

Who doesn’t remember that one voice in a lifetime the voice of Bing Crosby? If you are too young to remember or think that you have never heard him sing, think again. If you listen to any radio station around the holidays then you have probably heard his voice.

Always around the holidays, you'll hear that famous song “White Christmas” played over and over again during the Holiday season. Written by Irving Berlin “White Christmas” was the biggest hit of Bing Crosby’s career and first introduced in 1942 in the Movie "Holiday Inn" 

Then, in 1954 the musical  White Christmas was released, featuring songs by Irving Berlin. This movie still remains a favorite today during the holiday season. We never miss watching White Christmas every year, as it became a tradition in our family while I was growing up.

Solo vocalist, radio, big screen, and television Bing Crosby did it all and did it well. Bing  Crosby was voted by Yank magazine as the person who had done the most for the GI’s during World War II. I really would have thought that would have been Bob Hope.

Bing Crosby was one of my dad's favorites so growing up I became very familiar with his voice, especially around the holidays. I can still hear my dad singing White Christmas as we decorated our tree.

Bing Crosby: Some Interesting Facts

·         Born: May 3, 1903 (Harry Lillis Crosby Jr.) nicknamed Bingo by his neighbor in 1910, later the O was dropped and the nickname Bing stuck.

·         He was among one of the first singers to use the microphone.

·         Bing Crosby invested in the company called Ampex; the company built the first reel-to-reel tape recorder in North America.

·         He was the first to pre-record his own radio show.

·         In 1946 he became part owner of my favorite baseball team the Pittsburgh Pirates. He taped the famous 1960 World Series; this tape was found in his wine cellar in 2009.

·         Bing was an avid hunter and fisherman and was known to be an expert fly fisherman.

·         He also owned a cattle ranch in Elko Nevada where he was the honorary Mayor.

·         A fan of horse racing, he owned his own stables, and his horse Ligaroti raced against Seabiscuit in 1948.

I must have been too young to have had any of this, but there was a Bing Crosby Ice Cream. Maybe I did have it when I was a little one and just don’t remember.

Every time I hear his voice now it brings back memories of my childhood. Maybe that is why I have come to appreciate his voice.

                               I'm sure you can find the movie White Christmas streaming somewhere or you can own the DVD

White Christmas (Blu-ray + Digital)

 

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Three Country Music Songs That Might Be Off Your Radar

Being a fan of country music and the stories they tell has been a part of me since I was a little girl. Yah, that was a long time ago.
The tendency with country music is to think it's all about beer and trucks. However, there are a wide variety of songs from inspiration, love, wonder, hope to empowerment.

I'd like to introduce you to three country songs that might be off your radar.

1. The Most Beautiful Things, by Tenille Townes

Introspection and Reflection

I've been a big fan of this Canadian country music star since her first big hit, "Somebody's Daughter." What a great song! You can read more about that song here.

This latest song, 'The Most Beautiful Things,' pulls our heartstrings and reminds us what the most essential part of life is about.

Lyrics: "So why do we close our eyes

When we pray, cry, kiss, dream?
Maybe the most beautiful things in this life
Are felt and never seen"

If you're in the mood for reflection, listen to this one with a nice cup of your favorite beverage and cozy blanket. Embrace the calm. If viewing via mobile, here's the video.

2. One of Them Girls, by Lee Brice

Women Empowerment, Respect, and Individuality

This upbeat tempo country music hit delivers a message that's near and dear to my heart: Empowering women. Granted, it's about a boy who is drawn to 'one of them girls,' however one of them girls is one who is a responsible single mother and dedicated worker who 'ain't trying to meet nobody.' The straightforward storytelling aspect of this video portrays the song's message in a fun, truthful, and powerful way.
Here's one for the girls. If viewing via mobile, here's the video, here's the video.

3. Godspeed, by the Reklaws

Letting Go, Growth, Cosmic Understanding, Peace

The Reklaws are a talented award-winning Canadian country music brother and sister duo. They're one of my favorite groups! Their music tends to lean towards the fun and uplifting aspects of life. However, 'Godspeed' takes a softer cosmic turn.

Godspeed is a message of letting go and holding on at the same time. If you're having a bad day and need a little hope, this light and airy music may be just what your soul aches for. Turn up the song and just breathe.If viewing via mobile,  here's the video.

May you have a lovely day, filled with some measure of hope. Tell someone you love that you love them. To all those suffering during this unprecedented year, Godspeed.

Virtual hugs,

Barbara

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