1. Big Mama Thornton – Hound Dog (1965)

Big Mama Thornton was an American Singer who pioneered the modern sound of music today, especially with Hound Dog. She was not credited for her works for decades.

 

2. Traditional Japanese Music – Sakura “Cherry Blossoms” (Meiji Era, 1868-1912)

Played on a traditional Japanese instrument called the Koto, Sakura is a representation of Pre-20th Century music in Japan.

 

3. Snarky Puppy – Lingus (2014)

Lingus is a song from the instrumental ensemble Snarky Puppy which features Cory Henry playing a keyboard(s) solo that I’d consider to be one of the greatest solos to ever be recorded.

 

Why I Chose These Songs

Thornton was one of the grandmothers of the music that we hear today. Without her contributions, Western Music wouldn’t have had its iconic sound that we listen to daily. Sakura, however, has these distinct melodies which sound completely different to Western Music, showcasing how truly versatile music sounds around the world. Lingus, more specifically Cory Henry, demonstrates how incredibly high the skill ceiling of a human being is creatively. These songs represent a glimmer of humankind’s greatest musical achievements in their own distinctive ways.