Inspiration is all around us no matter where we live. But here in New York, there are so many opportunities to feed your soul with amazing art and architecture, lift your spirit with first-class drama and fantastic music.
I felt especially blessed recently when I saw the play Memphis, an original musical that not only deals seriously with the issue of racism but succeeds as a highly entertaining, inspirational and, yes, upbeat play. Sue Frost, one of the play’s lead producers, aptly describes its message: that one person’s passion and commitment can change the world, make a difference—even lead to a social and cultural revolution.
Huey, the main character is enamored of rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, rhythm and blues—black music—and a black singer. His energy and enthusiasm ultimately opens the door for both the music and singer to cross over and not only be accepted but also deeply appreciated by a white audience.
The music and lyrics by David Bryan, a founding member of Bon Jovi, is a paean to the early days of rock ‘n’ roll, the roots of which are in gospel, rhythm and blues and jazz. The musical scores, says Frost, are filtered through a contemporary take on the music.
The songs, The Music of My Soul, Make Me Stronger, Say a Prayer, are stirring; Everyone Wants to Be Black on a Saturday Night and Big Love are exuberant and just plain fun. But I came away with the lyrics of Steal Your Rock ‘n’ Roll still ringing in my head:
First comes a point in everybody’s life
When they gotta stand up and face a fight.
Then comes a point in everybody’s life,
When they gotta wonder if they done right.
I swallowed my fear, followed my heart right here,
And through it all one almighty thought stood clear—
Listen to the beat, listen to the beat.
Play it, obey it, love it with your feet.
Listen to your soul, listen to your soul.
Heed it.
Ya need it.
Let it make, let it make you whole…
Memphis garnered four Tony Awards including best musical of 2010 plus a plethora of other awards. You can still catch Memphis on Broadway. But if that’s not possible, the play will begin a national tour in October 2011. It’s an evening of music, dance and storytelling that will energize and uplift you. Don’t miss it.
And if you’re interested in the creative process of songwriting and lyrics, you must check out a new book, Finishing the Hat by one of the finest lyricists and composers in the business, Stephen Sondheim. Read the exceptional book review by singer-songwriter Paul Simon, which appeared in Sunday’s New York Times Book Review section.
Photos by Joan Marcus
