Johnny Cash was an incredibly influential figure in the music industry throughout his life.  Many musicians and artists have taken the life and experiences of Cash to heart, and his music has also been revered by all genres.  Perhaps that is the reason for getting many artists together for the “We Walk the Line: A Celebration of the Music of Johnny Cash” concert event to be held in Austin, Texas on April 20th of this year.

The stars and performers who are scheduled to perform are sure to bring inspiring and touching contributions to the show.  Performers like Kenny Chesney, Ronnie Dunn, Ray LaMontagne, Jamey Johnson, and Kris Kristofferson are scheduled to give a performance in honor of the man in black.

So we want to also pay a tribute to Johnny Cash.  Watch one of his last videos singing a Nine Inch Nails song “Hurt.”

One pretty clear and obvious genre of music would have to be country music.  This genre is well-known for including certain instruments in the music.  There are also some key topics that are generally found in country songs to.  Despite what many people think, country is actually a lot of fun to listen to.  Let’s find out what country music is all about.

The instruments in country music are not all too different than other genres.  It’s just when you start adding in a banjo or steel guitar that things start to get real country.  I think that is one of the reasons why it’s just so catchy though.  An acoustic guitar with a little twang is just a perfect addition to go along with the great lyrics of country music.

Most people seem to think that country music is only about drinking, dogs, and mamas.  I would have to agree that these people are pretty accurate.  Country has come a long way, but even some of the more current hits are about those things.

• Billy Currington’s song “Pretty Good At Drinking Beer” proves that drinking is still a largely sung about topic.  Need more proof than that?  How about Dierks Bentley’s “People Are Crazy?”  Yep, in it he sings, “God is great, beer is good, and people are crazy.”
• Mamas are always important, but they seem to be even more important in the country music world.  In the past year there have been two hit songs about mamas, Carrie Underwood’s “Mama’s Song” and “Like My Mother Does” by Lauren Alaina.

So you see country music traditions are still staying strong.  Maybe that’s why so many people love it, the traditions it represents.

Again, the music on the show is phenomenal.  Right now, as I type I am listening to Glee:  The Music, The Christmas Album Volume 2.  It definitely puts me in a Christmas mood.  I have also been watching the video for “All I Want for Christmas is You” over and over again on YouTube.  I thought I would share it with you guys too.  It is Amber Riley (Mercedes) singing, and she has such an amazing voice.

Another song that I love from the Christmas album is the remake of the 1985 song “Do They Know It’s Christmas.” They did a great job with it, and the video just makes you feel good. Hopefully you enjoy the GLEEful noise from GLEE!

1. The Sing-Off.  I love this show!  The judges are some of the most musically gifted and talented artists out there today, and you can tell in their feedback to the contestants.  Ben Folds, Sara Bareilles, and Shawn Stockman are judges on the all a cappella reality show.  There are groups from all over the country that use only their voices to create amazing music.  The show goes pretty quickly too, as there is no waiting for results.  The results take place the same night as the performance.
2. American Idol.  How can you not enjoy American Idol?  I  complain about how long it seems sometimes, but I do really like watching the beginning of the show when they are picking through the talented and not-so-talented singers.  I know some of those awful singers are probably scripted, but they still make me laugh.  I love how there are no genre boundaries either.  Country stars, pop stars, and more have been created from this show.
3. X Factor.  Of course, X Factor is a newbie, but I do like watching it.  I’m not sure if it’s because I was missing Simon and Paula or what, but I find myself glued to the TV when it is on.

Do you have any music-related television shows that you enjoy watching?  Let me know!

iPods have additionally gained popularity for use in education. Apple offers a collection of lesson plans on its website for educators to use freely while incorporating iPod and iPod Touch into classroom learning. This is also true in higher education, since Duke University began providing iPods to all incoming freshmen in the fall of 2004.  Duke continues to offer this program, with some slight changes over the years.  Even despite the availability of them, people have preferred storing video and movies on their iPods as well.

Enjoy the following infographic that breaks down our history and national love affair with iPod — quite possibly one of the most amazing inventions of the 21st Century.  Happy Birthday, iPod.

1.  ”Moves Like Jagger” Maroon 5

I might catch some crap for this, but I don’t think I like this song.  Don’t get me wrong, I love Adam Levine.  Dude is sexy, but this song just doesn’t do it for me…except for maybe when he says, “Now we’re naked.”  I guess it’s just not the Maroon 5 that I loved back in high school, and that is why I don’t know that I’m all too crazy about it.  Everyone else seems to love it though.

2.  ”Pumped Up Kicks” Foster The People

I really, really like this song.  I’m actually a little shocked that there are that many people out there that have such good taste.  Foster the People is like an awesome mix of Peter Bjorn and John meets Vampire Weekend, meets Mumford & Sons, meets The Black Keys…do you hear it too?  I don’t condone kids with guns, but aside from the slightly scary and possibly influential (to the wrong dumb kids) lyrics I think this song is a winner.

3.  ”Stereo Hearts” Gym Class Heros ft. Adam Levine

Another Adam Levine song in the same list?  Yes indeed!  To be honest with you I think this song is actually better than “Moves Like Jagger.”  I’ve never been a huge Gym Class Hero’s fan, but I can dig this song.  It’s a love song while not being overly cheesy.

4.  ”Last Friday Night” Katy Perry

I like Katy Perry, I do, but I think the video for the song is better than the song itself.  That is just my opinion, so don’t get all huffy!

5.  ”Party Rock Anthem” LMFAO

Okay this is a good song, maybe I’m just incredibly tired of hearing it.

First, I love Boyce Avenue.  The acoustic  covers that they do are genius.  Second, I am not a 3 Doors Down fan.  I can’t place the reason why I don’t like them, I just don’t.  But give me the Boyce Avenue version of “Here Without You,” and I am a seriously happy camper.  This is how the song should’ve been done originally.  I mean if 3 Doors Down came out with a stripped version, I may have had to like it.

This is one of those songs that needs some explanation.  Basically, it’s funny and I like to laugh.  That’s all the explanation I have.  The video makes the song even more funny.  South Koreans with a dream…they just wanna dance and sing.

I have listened to Eminem since I was practically a kid.  It’s definitely been over ten years, and he has me hooked again.  This is the band Bad Meets Evil (Slim Shady’s in it) featuring Bruno Mars singing “Lighters.”  I love this song, I could do without Royce Da 5’9″ part, but even with him, I dig it.

People don’t often scare me, but Nicki Minaj is right up there with Lady Gaga…they literally scare me.  But this song is fun to listen to and dance to.  I just can’t watch the video because I get all sweaty and shaky.

There are a couple of musicians, bands, and record labels who are starting to hop on board with the whole green things and that’s pretty cool if I do say so myself.  But how green, or un-green, is the music industry?  Some of these numbers might be a bit of a shock to you, so be ready.  I found an infographic that puts some things into perspective.  Hopefully, more and more musicians will be more willing to go green in the near future.  It might actually help them appeal to different types of fans too.