9/11 Hope & Renewal
#4 in an 11-Day Memorial Series of Posts
Continuing MBE's special 11 Days of September memorial post series, this story focuses on the origins of songs and music, such as Twin Towers Song for America, that were inspired by the events of September 11, 2001. Back stories are provided, along with links so you will be able to learn more as well as hear some of the greatest music written to commemorate this historical event and the upcoming 10th anniversary. Included are my personal picks for the most emotionally moving tunes that helped me and countless other Americans move forward with hope and a sense of renewal following this tragedy, through the days, months, and years after that horrific 9/11 attack on U.S. soil.
Our Spirit Can Never Be Broken
Image, Little Did She Know by Kristy Jackson
This tune -- created by Holt just hours after the World Trade Center collapsed -- is widely thought to be the first of September 11th songs ever to be written and recorded.
A number of songs from this album were written and performed in memory of the events of September 11th. These include the title track, The Rising, Empty Sky, You're Missing, and others.
Former Beatles member Paul was in a plane on the ground on the morning of September 11th at JFK Airport when the World Trade Center was attacked. So he saw the horrors live as they unfolded in New York. The events of that unforgettable day hit him hard, so he wrote this song the next day.
This female musician not only wrote this song but also responded to the 9/11 tragedy by establishing the non-profit Feel the Music, an organization that was founded to bring music and inspiration to children, families and adults touched by trauma, loss or illness. Listen to Valerie's performance of her original memorial song, as she sings it at WTC Responder Day in 2010.
This song written by Don Henley and Glenn Frey was recorded in memory of September 11. It featured on the 2003 compilation album The Very Best of Eagles as well as appearing as a bonus track on the Deluxe Edition of the Eagles' 2007 album Long Road Out of Eden.
Melissa dedicated this song to the memory of Mark Bingham who died at the age of 31 aboard United Airlines Flight 93 on September 11th. The tune also is her tribute to Mark's family and friends and to all heroes involved.
Written by the late singer, Michael had just finished two sold-out performances in New York on September 7 and 10. The next morning, planes crashed into each of the World Trade Center towers, as well as The Pentagon, and a field in Shanksville, PA. Michael rewrote his song and performed it in memory of September 11 with a supergroup of well-known artists that included Celine Dion, Usher, Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Justin Timberlake, Carlos Santana, and many others.
For this song, writer performer Neil was inspired by passenger Todd Beamer's last words "Let's roll" aboard hijacked Flight 93 which crashed into a field in Western Pennsylvania. This 9/11 tribute song was included in his album Are You Passionate?
Kristy, who's song is about a little girl who kisses her Daddy goodbye for the last time as he leaves for a business trip in L.A. on the morning of 9/11/01, is an unsung hero in her own right. Not only did she write this beautiful and moving song, she also opted to turn down a major label deal to remain independent, donating all royalties from airplay and half the net proceeds from her CD sales. As a result of maintaining full creative rights to her music, she raised over $26,000 to directly benefit various 9/11 related causes. To hear her sing this absolutely beautiful song and to see powerful images from September 11th set to music along with it, listen and watch Kristy Jackson's 9/11 tribute YouTube Video
In Memory of the 10th Anniversary
This is based on the original tune written for 9/11, updated to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the tragedy. Songwriter Holt Vaughn sums up the power of music in times of tragedy well. “No, we weren’t EMT’s or firefighters," Vaughn says, "But we could be first-responders in the arts, song and media. Music is a powerful and therapeutic force.”
FREE Twin Towers Song Download
FREE Twin Towers Song Download
Don't miss the other posts in this unique Mommy Blogger
September 11th Memorial
Series of Hope & Renewal
Thursday, September 1, 2011 - Imagery of a Pink Hand Bag
Friday, September 2, 2011 – Life is Too Short After 9/11 Book Review
Saturday, September 3, 2011 – Charity Event Fitting Memorial to 9/11
Sunday, September 4, 2011 – Songs & Music Inspired by 9/11
Monday, September 5, 2011 – Faces of Hope - Babies Born on 9/11 Book Review
Tuesday, September 6, 2011 – Memorable Tweets, Facebook, Blog Posts & More For 9/11
Wednesday, September 7, 2011 – Teaching Kids from K-12 About 9/11
Thursday, September 8, 2011 – 9/11 Acknowledged by Fashion's Night Out
Friday, September 9, 2011 – Children's Readathon at World Trade Center 9/10
Saturday, September 10, 2011 – 9/11 National Day of Service & Remembrance
Sunday, September 11, 2011 – 10th Anniversary is Marked in Cities & Towns Across U.S.
Saturday, September 10, 2011 – 9/11 National Day of Service & Remembrance
Sunday, September 11, 2011 – 10th Anniversary is Marked in Cities & Towns Across U.S.
Please Comment
What songs do you like best that either memorialize the events of September 11th or that you think are the ideal tributes for the 10th Anniversary? Please share and leave a comment below.
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