The Magic of Music
When I decided I had at least one more big adventure in me, I decided to create “Jewel Leigh’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Travel Show.” To get to that decision, I had to ask myself a couple of questions. Why music? And: Is music important enough? I mediated on this for quite some time and the answer to that second question is always a resounding yes! Few things are as important as music.
Music has a way of enchanting us, of drawing us together across distances, languages, and time. While music might seem like a string of sounds, it is, at its core, born from the very vibrations of the universe. These frequencies, which pulse through nature, find their way into our minds and hearts, resonating within us in a way that words often cannot. The origin of rock and roll—a genre that captivated generations and challenged social divides—stands as a testament to the unifying magic of music.
The Science and Magic of Music in Our Brains
Our brains have a special connection to music. When we hear melodies, our auditory cortex processes the sound waves, but the experience of music is much more than a simple hearing process. Music lights up areas in the brain associated with emotions, memories, and reward systems, engaging almost every region. One particularly magical fact is that the parts of the brain that process music remain active and accessible even in people suffering from memory loss, such as those with Alzheimer’s disease. Somehow, music is stored in a place that resists the effects of time and even disease.
Music’s effect on us can feel magical because it operates on a frequency that directly influences our emotions, heart rate, and mood. Research has shown that music can reduce stress, increase happiness, and even enhance cognitive performance. This deep-rooted connection suggests that music is more than an art form; it’s almost like a universal language embedded in us—a way to feel, express, and even remember.
The Origins of Rock and Roll: The Frequency That United Generations
Rock and roll music, with its thumping bass lines, rebellious riffs, and passionate lyrics, erupted onto the scene in the early 1950’s, a time marked by social divisions. The genre itself was born from a blend of musical traditions—blues, jazz, gospel, and rhythm and blues—that Black American communities had been developing for generations. When these influences combined, they created something raw, electric, and entirely new. Rock and roll was as much about sound as it was about a cultural movement—a defiance of the norms that divided people.
This music didn’t care about the color of your skin, your economic background, or your social standing. With artists like Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Elvis Presley, and Buddy Holly, rock and roll became a movement that brought people together, crossing social divides and transforming the cultural landscape. Through concerts and radio, this genre’s rhythms and lyrics unified people, creating a shared experience that allowed everyone to feel part of something larger than themselves.
Music as a Timeless Human Need
Human beings have been creating music since the beginning of history. Archeologists have discovered flutes carved from bones dating back over 40,000 years. These ancient people, separated from us by centuries and cultures, found meaning in music, just as we do today. This art form has served as a way to mourn, celebrate, express love, and even communicate with the divine. In rituals, ceremonies, and everyday life, music is a bridge between our internal world and the world around us.
Music is, in many ways, a survival tool, capable of sparking joy, easing pain, and strengthening the bonds between people. Whether a powerful symphony or a simple folk song, music continues to shape our lives and collective history. And in the case of rock and roll, it demonstrated how sound can act as a revolutionary force, uniting people and defying social constraints.
The Universal Power of Music to Unite
Music’s true magic lies in its ability to unify people. At its best, music reminds us that we’re not alone. This is why we sing lullabies to soothe infants and why entire nations come together to sing anthems. Music provides comfort, inspires rebellion, and builds communities. When we sing along at a concert or dance with strangers, we experience a unity that transcends time and place.
From the frequencies of the universe to the timeless beats of rock and roll, music is a language of the soul that speaks to us all. So, is music important enough for me to spend my time and resources on? Heck yeah, it is! Let’s get Jewel Leigh’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Travel Show on the road. I hope you enjoy the journey. And if ever you want to hear some of the greatest songs ever recorded, check out www.lecomradio.com online for streaming. I’m on both stations from 4-8 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.