The Gift of Music

And the young man said, "Speak to us of the Great American Songbook."

"To know the Songbook is a life's work, albeit an enjoyable and rewarding one," the Prophet said, "and, as with many things, we can start with the excellent article in Wikipedia.

"But the best way to learn is to listen:

     Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Rodgers and Hart Songbook, Volume I

     Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Rodgers and Hart Songbook, Volume II

     Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Songbook

     Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Gershwin Songbook

     Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Irving Berlin Songbook

     Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Jerome Kern Songbook

     Ella Fitzgerald, The Intimate Ella

     Ella Fitzgerald, Like Someone In Love

     Frank Sinatra, The Voice

     Frank Sinatra, Songs for Swingin' Lovers

     Frank Sinatra, In the Wee Small Hours

     Frank Sinatra, A Swingin' Affair

     Frank Sinatra Sings for Only the Lonely

     Carly Simon, My Romance

     Carly Simon, Moonlight Serenade

     Linda Rondstadt, What's New?

     Linda Rondstadt, 'Round Midnight

     Diana Krall, From This Moment On

     Diana Krall, The Look of Love

     Various artists, American Popular Song

"Go, my son, go and listen, and learn, and grow in spirit. As a wise old professor once said, 'The duty of the poet is to bolster the nation's courage.' Living with these wonderful melodies and great lyrics, the best work of the poets of our own time, will bolster yours."