Pandemic Songs

Language provides a mechanism to better deal with the world around us. Some have a grasp for language that pulls on our heart string or make us laugh.  The Middle Ages and the Renaissance provided what we now call “pestilential music”.

Here are some examples of songs inspired by the Spanish Flu pandemic in the early 1900’s:

Flying Fish Sailors - Flupandemic
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9T41ASGEQZA

An instrumental song titled “The Microbe” by Webb Long
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DOKEsq8qXps

Essie Jenkins cover of 1919 Influenza Blues:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=L-QzjvjqMNA

And the song “Influenza Blues” from a musical called “A Lonely Romeo”:
https://repository.asu.edu/attachments/206913/content/SM4268_InfluenzaBlues_1919_Score.pdf

I hope everyone is healthy and staying safe. Thanks lease remember to support local and independent artists and local shops (to the extent you can do so safely).

Be well and let’s make the most out of this quarantine :)



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