Jerome Kern: Master Architect of American Musical Theater

A composer, musical theatre, and popular music writer, wrote more than 700 songs, with many collaborations with other artists. Active from the early 1900’s until 1945.

Mary Lou Williams, Composer Between 1920 and 1981

Jazz pianist, arranger, composer, wrote hundreds of compositions and arrangements, active from 1920-1981.

Duke Ellington, composer, pianist, and leader of a jazz & swing orchestra. Active from 1914 to 1974.

The Architect of American Jazz

Irvin Berlin, Composer, Lyricist, and Songwriter. Active from 1907 to 1971.

America’s Songwriter

Ira Gershwin, Another Musical Genius, Along with His Brother George

George Gershwin, A Musical Genius

Composer, pianist, and painter. Active from 1916 to 1937. Many great songs were collaborations with George and Ira Gershwin, brothers and highly talented composers.

“Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch”: The Four Tops and Motown’s Most Irresistible Plea

The phrase “Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch” isn’t just a catchy nickname—it’s the instantly recognizable hook from the Four Tops’ 1965 smash “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch).”

“Knock on Wood” is a Classic Soul Song with a Fascinating History:

“Knock On Wood”

We say “knock on wood” and tap the nearest table… but the written record shows “touch wood” first, with “knock on wood” appearing only in the early 1900s—making it much younger than its superstitious vibe suggests.

“Historical Revisionism”

-Can mean two very different things-some revision is a vital part of scholarly progress, while others are distortions. Recognizing this distinction helps prevent dismissing all revisions as suspicious or untrustworthy.

“From the Get-Go”

— meaning, origin, and why it sounds so right

“Tough Nut to Crack”

Changing a Corporate Culture: A Change In Mindset

“You’ve Got to Change”—the Opening Line of Santana’s Hit “Evil Ways.”

Fiddling Around:

How a Musical Metaphor Became Our Word for Aimless Tinkering

Finding Another Job is Stressful: An Employee's Point of View.

It is natural to feel overwhelmed when considering leaving, especially when the easy option seems to be staying in a company quagmire. Recognizing this can help you feel understood and less alone in your decision-making process.

Red Flag, Blackball, Whitelist

Why We Keep Turning Colors into Judgments

How to Shift Employees from Fake to Real Commitments: The Long and Arduous Process

The Boss, The CEO, and The COO will need the qualities of a strategist, a mind reader, and a shrewd negotiator, while maintaining a compassionate presence

September, by Earth, Wind, and Fire

Great Song With Great Dancers

“Boogie Woogie” Spirit: Earth, Wind & Fire

Why Boogie Wonderland Still Moves the Floor

Emotional Attachment Olympics: With Stuff

Why We Keep Stuff That Would Lose a Fight with Gravity