[ExTxMarine]

Most people today think of music as a commodity rather than an art form, something to flow in the background like having electricity or running water.

My kids (all millennials) are some of the few in their age ranges who have actually listened to music for the words, the artistry, the beat, and the soulfulness.

All four of my daughters have surprised so many of their friends parents when they can sing along to Charlie Pride, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Duran Duran and Buddy Holly. I think the best part is that they know the verses, not just the chorus and often they even know the bridge and guitar riffs. Surprises the hell out of most of the parents.

I am so proud of the fact that they appreciate MUSIC as art - not just as some kind of background noise. As you stated, most millennials can't even fathom the idea that Ella Fitzgerald had a voice, while Lady Gaga has a gimmick!

[chajin]

most millennials can't even fathom the idea that Ella Fitzgerald had a voice, while Lady Gaga has a gimmick!

Lady Gaga has used Bach as the basis for some of her music, which lets me bring up a fun question (for me, that is) in my Music Appreciation courses: "Lady Gaga uses Bach to make her music better. What aspects, if any, of Lady Gaga's music could Bach have used to make his music better?" The best answers are lame, because there are no aspects of LG, Nikki, Katy, Beyoncé, or anyone else who is high up in the music biz that would have made Bach better--or would add anything to Ella, Billie, Sarah, or even Diana, for that matter.

[Elsie]

It seems not too many in this threads are watching Nashville on the tube...