I learned about a new way to celebrate the start of the year: in addition to being New Year’s Day and the last day of Kwanzaa, January 1st is also known as Z Day! This annual opportunity to celebration all things and people usually relegated to the end of any alphabetical list makes total sense at the start of each year, making the last first for a little while, and celebrating a letter most people probably don’t even use very often. In fact, we use this letter so much less often than others that looking at a page with a lot of Zs on it (try this one) can make you question if you’ve been writing them correctly — they start to look loopy after awhile!
Here are a few artists and influencers I’d like to celebrate today.
Zelda
I can’t believe The Rev. Zelda Kennedy passed away from cancer almost a year ago. She’s the first person that comes to mind when I think about people I love whose names start with Z. She was so soulful and full of life. Her voice was so warm and low and comforting. Not a day goes by that I don’t smile at her picture on the wall in my home: she’s in our wedding pictures, because she officiated our wedding. It was such a blessing to know her while I was at All Saints Church in Pasadena. And I miss her deeply.
Even as a little kid, I always thought “Zappa” was such a fun name! The iconoclast was one of the most powerful creative forces, across musical and cultures genres, through the 1970s and 80s. If you think he’s not a classical composer, click the link above and check his output. I would have sung his 200 Motels with LA Master Chorale and the LA Phil back in fall 2013 if I hadn’t a conflict – I hear that gig was a lot of fun and “memorable” for various reasons; it’s definitely not rated PG! But the man had skills, and a mind like no other.
(1908-2004)
This African-American and Creek Indian composer and pianist lived a fascinating and inspiring life, determinedly pursuing her music in spite of hurdles and lack of support at home. She was completely committed to her life in music, and while she moved and planned and worked to get the training and opportunities she craved, her music shows a strong connection to her hometown and the people she loved. She reached for the moon but kept her feet on the ground, and her career challenges how we define success as a composer and more. Click here to learn more about her
(1882-1967)
Few people have done more to refine and advance methods of musical education, first in his native Hungary, and then writing books that have changed programs around the world. Kodály’s work as a composer and ethnomusicologist are just as impressive. He wrote music for orchestra, choir, two operas, and some lovely chamber music, all influenced by the folk music he studied so carefully. Check this out if you’re not sure where to start.
Favorite things starting with Z
Zenaida meloda (the scientific name for “mourning dove”)
A few Zbees I’ve worked with
