American Songbook Today's 2019 programs

(photo: Multi-Grammy Award Winner, American songwriter/singer Carole King)

PLEASE visit our brand new website to learn all about the important work we are doing, have already done, and want to do.  But only with your support.  https://www.americansongbooktoday.org/ In addition to programs in schools, we will be offering songwriting workshops and master classes in singing with famous guest faculty.

Be sure to visit our "Song Videos" section of our website.    https://www.americansongbooktoday.org/song-videos/ If you donate $100 or more, you can submit three of your own videos and why you chose them to be included in our website. 

The mission of American Songbook Today is to celebrate the American Songbook, to preserve this musical treasury, and to foster it for future generations through concerts and educational workshops. We define the American Songbook as any song with both an identifiable melody and meaningful lyrics written by Americans, from the past as well as contemporary, and of any genre (e.g. standards, Broadway, rock ‘n roll, folk, gospel, film, Motown, jazz, country, rhythm & blues, patriotic, etc.).

A lot of people say there are no great songs being written today.  But that's not true.  Amazing songs are being written.  People  just haven't heard them yet.    WE plan to change that. 

I have spoken and presented concerts with great musical theatre, jazz, gospel, cabaret singers of the American Songbook to over 100 schools in the NYC area, from kindergarten classes in Harlem to Julliard.   Sadly,until they hear them, our own youth have no idea of the important messages and the beauty of our Songbook. That a song can provide great comfort during sad times and seemingly impossible, even life-ending situations.   A way to celebrate during joyous times.   A way to express their feelings about love, etc.  Yet people around the world know our songs and sing them.  I explain to youth and young adults that the American Songbook is part of their heritage.  Their birthright.  Like baseball. 

Don't you think they have a right to know it?  But most schools don't teach it.  Very few radio stations play it any more.  No TV shows feature it.  Won't you please join us in changing this?  We are raising money for American Songbook Today, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to all of us music lovers, who had the advantage of learning and loving our American Songbook.

We are based in Cleveland, but we hope we will inspire other cities and towns to start their own programs.  Both concerts and school programs. We would be happy to offer advice on how we got started.