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What makes a performer great? Howie Mandel tells us every week on “America’s Got Talent” that the answer is the “wow factor.”
As we watch contestants on TV shows like “American Idol” we ask ourselves, “Did this performance wow me?”
The story of rock ’n’ roll begins long before it had a name. Its roots run deep in the musical traditions of African American communities — in the driving rhythms of blues, the spiritual intensity of gospel, and the improvisational brilliance of jazz. These sounds did not merely influence rock ’n’ roll; they built it.
Among its earliest architects was Sister Rosetta Tharpe, whose electrified guitar and gospel-infused vocals in the 1930s and 1940s helped shape the sound that would ignite a musical revolution. Her fearless performance style — equal parts sacred and rebellious — anticipated the energy that would define rock stages decades later. In 1951, she even staged her wedding at Griffith Stadium before a crowd of more than 20,000 fans, turning a personal milestone into a landmark commercial recording event.
There’s nothing like the right song to set the tone for the holidays. Whether you’re decorating the tree, baking cookies, or taking a quiet moment with a warm drink, holiday music has a magical way of connecting us—across memories, families, and generations. At the Recorded Sound Archives (RSA), we’re surrounded by thousands of recordings that capture the warmth, nostalgia, and joy of this time of year.
This season, we’ve curated a special holiday playlist from the vintage treasures housed in the RSA. From classic crooners to rare gems pressed on 78rpm discs, these selections highlight the timeless charm of Christmas music through the decades. You’ll hear familiar melodies that wrap you in comfort, alongside a few surprises that show just how diverse holiday recordings can be.
As the season turns and the tradition of lighting the menorah approaches, the Recorded Sound Archives (RSA) at FAU Libraries is ready to celebrate! We are delighted to share our annual musical gift: The RSA Chanukah Playlist 2025! This curated selection of eight tracks offers a vibrant, diverse soundtrack for your eight nights of celebration, drawn directly from the RSA’s extensive collection of Jewish sound recordings.
This playlist captures the light and global spirit of the Festival of Lights by highlighting a variety of essential musical styles. For a traditional start to your nightly ritual, we feature the contemplative beauty of Ariel Silber’s stirring rendition of the blessing over the candles. This track sets a powerful and reflective tone, honoring the miracle of the oil.
The collection also celebrates the rich cultural diversity of Jewish tradition. You’ll find the beautiful Sephardic favorite “Ocho Kandelikas” (Eight Little Candles) performed by the Lachan Toronto Jewish Chamber Choir, sung entirely in Ladino. For a completely different, nostalgic folk sound, we included Lori Cahan-Simon’s delightful Yiddish track, “A Tsindt on Likhtekh” (Light the Candles).
To round out the soundscape, the playlist offers unique contemporary arrangements. Don’t miss Benjamin Roth-Aroni’s “Chanukah Piano Medley,” which provides a smooth, instrumental backdrop perfect for a quiet evening or sophisticated holiday gathering.
As the days grow shorter and autumn settles in, November invites us to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with the stories that shaped American culture. It’s the perfect time to tip our hats to one of the most iconic voices of early American popular music: Gene Autry, the Singing Cowboy. Long before country music dominated the charts, Autry brought tales of the Wild West into homes across America through his recordings, radio shows, and films.
The Sound of the Cowboy
Gene Autry’s 78rpm recordings captured more than just songs—they painted vivid pictures of frontier life. From ballads of lonely trails to upbeat tunes about adventure and romance, his music celebrated the spirit of Americana. Records allowed fans far from Hollywood or Nashville to experience the charm and excitement of cowboy culture, long before television made it mainstream.
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