Music Notes with Jess

R&B/rapper Anderson. Paak and pop/R&B singer Bruno Mars performed at the Grammys together. Their new duo is known as Silk Sonic, and has a #1 hit: "Leave the Door Open." I’ll tell you brief bios of both artists’ solo careers, how their collaboration formed, and “Leave the Door Open”’s recent charting history. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena Follow us on Facebook ,...

Exactly 20 years ago in 2001, Train released their biggest hit: "Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)." They just released a special edition of their platinum album Drops of Jupiter, with 5 unreleased bonus tracks. For its 20th anniversary, I share Train's background, what inspired this song's lyrics, its unique arrangements, and popularity. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena Train's...

Teddy Pendergrass would've been 71 3/26. He lived an inspirational life and is known as a legendary R&B singer. My dad and I share his biography about his family, music, and health. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena Songs Used: “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” (1972), “The Love I Lost” (1973), “Bad Luck” (1975), “Wake Up Everybody” (1975) - Harold Melvin & The Blue Not...

For springtime and Daylight Savings Time, I countdown 10 songs to do with time and clocks. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/22EVUSLidt2fX2gT7vSFcC?si=1q8XTrQORyWFfcdk2gS_AA Songs Used: 10. “Stay” - Zedd & Alessia Cara (2017) 9. “Time In A Bottle” - Jim Croce (1973) 8. “Time After Time” - Cyndi Lauper (1983-1984) 7. “5...

The 63rd Grammy Awards got rescheduled 2 months later due to rising COVID cases. Before the show airs 3/14 8pm/e, I "announce" predictions of 10 categories whom I think will win: Best New Artist, Best Pop/Duo Group Performance, Best Pop Vocal Album, Best Melodic Rap Performance, Best R&B Performance, Best Rock Song, Best Country Album, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Album of the Yea...

March is known as Women's History Month, and March 8th is International Women's Day. I discuss 7 female empowerment songs chosen from the decades of 1960s-present, and tell you about the women who've sang them. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena Songs Used: "Respect" - Aretha Franklin (1967) "I Am Woman" - Helen Reddy (1972) "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" - Cyndi Lauper (1983...

For its 35th anniversary, Janet Jackson's 3rd album Control charted on iTunes' Pop Albums Chart throughout February 2021. To celebrate, I share the influences behind making the album, and a track-by-track of all 9 songs. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena Songs Used: "Joyful Joyful Medley" - Lauryn Hill & St. Francis Choir (1993) (Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit) "Funkyt...

For Valentine's Day / Single Awareness Day, I countdown 14 love songs sung from secret admirer perspectives. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena Songs Mentioned: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1G00c84ycVdIgdf0oPgryR?si=e52730f9d5784bc9 14. “Boyfriend” - Best Coast (2010) 13. “Still Feel Like Your Man” - John Mayer (2017) 12. “I Say A Little Prayer” - Dionne Warwick (1967)...

Super Bowl LV took place 2/7/21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated Kansas City Chiefs 31-9. Three live music performances occurred that people are buzzing about. I recap the artists that sang "America the Beautiful", national anthem, and halftime show. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena Super Bowl LV Performances: "America the Beautiful" - H.E.R. "The Star Spangled Banner" - Eri...

Justin Timberlake turn 40 on 1/31/21! Looking back at his talented music career over the past 25 years, I countdown 20 songs I recommend. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena Songs Used: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3KgXKbOmihwma8GTtTn4ug?si=3890b33ae6ac4dc9 "Take It From Here (Live at FutureSex/LoveShow)" (2007), “What Goes Around...Goes Around” (2006-2007), "Not A Bad T...

Radio Disney left the airwaves 1/22/21. It entertained generations and innovated how we listened to radio for almost 25 years. I discuss Radio Disney's broadcast history, and play songs from artists whose careers got started on there. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena Songs Used: "Disney Mambo No. 5" - Lou Bega (2000) “Lucky” - Britney Spears (2000) “Trashin’ the Camp” - Ph...

Name That Tune has been a fun music game show for decades. At least 3 million viewers have "tuned" in for its current syndication. Listen and take music notes of Name That Tune's broadcast history from the 40s, 50s, 70s, 80s, present. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena Performers: Stop the Music!, Name That Tune (1950s) - Harry Salter Name That Tune (1970s) - The Sound Syste...

Country group Lady A (formerly known as Lady Antebellum), made Billboard history with their recent hit "Champagne Night." I discuss how their career started, flashback their discography, and the creative process of "Champagne Night" from NBC's Songland. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena Songs Used: "Champagne Night" (2020), "Compass" (2013-2014), "Hello World" (2010-2011),...

The final 20 songs to make up my Top 40 Songs of 2020! Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/29kWVlhErrYVLJGRdx5iMx?si=43bac031a475437c Songs Mentioned: 20. “Edge of Midnight (Midnight Sky Remix)” - Miley Cyrus feat. Stevie Nicks 19. “Free Porn Cheap Drugs” - G-Eazy 18. “august” - Taylor Swift 17. “Starting Over” - Chris Stapl...

GOOD RIDDANCE 2020! Music is how we globally got through a terrible year. With so many songs to choose from, I'm counting down my Top 40 Songs of 2020 in 2 episodes. Part 1: 40-21, Part 2: Episode 65. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena Songs Used: 40. “Smile” - Katy Perry 39. “Chills” - Asher Angel 38. “So Done” - Alicia Keys feat. Khalid 37. “BOYSHIT” - Madison Beer 36. “De...

For a bittersweet holiday season, I discuss the history of 2000 Christmas song "Where Are You Christmas?" Learn the history of the movie its from, who wrote but wasn't allowed to sing the song, and the 2 versions featured on the soundtrack . Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena Songs Used: "Where Are You Christmas?" - Faith Hill (2000-2001) (Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Chr...

Christina Aguilera is one of the most famous pop singers of my generation, and turned 40 12/18/20! To celebrate, I countdown 10 of my favorite songs from her. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena Songs Used: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/076D2SixjmAlwV9gcGqzxY?si=70494ce744d947b8 "Genie 2.0" - Christina Aguilera (2008) "Got to Be Real" - Cheryl Lynn (1978) "Bitch" - Meredi...

John Lennon was murdered 12/8/80. I wasn't born yet, but know 2 people who grieved with his fans outside The Dakota in NYC. In this episode, I interview my mom, radio professional and friend Tom Zarecki to share their stories about this tragic day. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena Follow us on Facebook , Twitter, Instagram , and Spotify playlists.  

Grammy nominations for 2021 became public 11/24. Check out my review of whom were snubbed, celebs nominated in special themed categories, and popular music genres. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena Songs Used: "Night", "Jammin", "Gym Track" (2008), "Ambient Piece", "Hip Hop Track" (2007) - Jessica Ann Catena "Supalonely" (Clean) - Benee feat. Gus Dapperton (2019-2020) "All...

Happy Thanksgiving! I created an 11 song countdown that fits with this special holiday. Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0k2QZIsrhwCNMOu4f6mzFi?si=vFgOhQqFSeqhqHJR8FWb9w Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena Songs Used: "We Are Family" - Sister Sledge (1978) "Little Birdie" - Vince Guaraldi (1973) - A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving 11. “Thank You” - Dido (2001) 1...

I "announce" my predictions for this year's popular American Music Awards categories, which airs 11/22 8p/e and available to stream day after broadcast. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena Prediction nominees: Taylor Swift, Doja Cat, Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Dua Lipa, BTS, Morgan Wallen, Gabby Barrett, Dan + Shay, Blake Shelton, Juice WRLD, Marshmello, Me...

For the 54th CMA Awards, I announced my predictions in their music categories. Songs Used: "10,000 Hours" - Dan + Shay with Justin Bieber (2019-2020) "Be A Light" - Thomas Rhett feat. Reba McEntire, Hillary Scott, Keith Urban & Chris Tomlin (2020) "I Hope" - Gabby Barrett (2018-2020) "More Hearts Than Mine" - Ingrid Andress (2019-2020) "I Hope You're Happy Now" - Carly Pearce & Lee Brice (...

Queen's original lineup released their final studio album exactly 25 years ago (11/6/95 UK, 11/7/95, U.S.). In this episode, I share how Queen created Made In Heaven posthumous of Freddie Mercury's death, and give a track-by-track of all 13 songs. Songs Used: "Made In Heaven", "I Was Born to Love You" - Freddie Mercury (1985) "I Was Born to Love You" - Queen + Adam Lambert (Live at Summer Sonic, T...

The Masked Singer is one of the most watched global TV shows of all time! Learn about its origin, how it's broadcasted in the U.S., and guess some past celebrity performances. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena Songs Used: "Blurred Lines" - Robin Thicke feat. Pharrell Williams & T.I. (2013) "Creep (Live)" - Ken Jeong (King of the Masked Singer, China) (2019) "Don't Cha"...

British songstress ADELE hosted Saturday Night Live's 10/24/20 episode, and R&B singer H.E.R. was the musical guest. Flashback to Adele's music with a top 10 countdown, and learn why she decided to host SNL. Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena Songs Used: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6KCBxUknqEowctFxxNaPWU?si=efb4ad54e1374377 "Hometown Glory" (2008) 10. “Send My Love...