Recently, while on a United Airlines flight from Boston to Denver I put on my fabulous noise-canceling Bose headphones and plugged into the audio programming. I was delighted to find an XM program featuring one of my favorite singers, Josh Groban. His music is so romantic. And as was obvious in the interview, he’s also a warm, self-effacing, adorable guy! I felt such appreciation for him—and his band of fans, who donate to various causes.
Remembering the joy I felt cruising along at 30,000 feet soaring to his music, I went to his Web site www.joshgroban.com and was able to relive the soaring sensation I had as I sailed through the clouds last week. Only this time, I’m also enjoying a video of him singing You Are Loved (Don’t Give Up). Wow! I had no idea how nice it would be to see him actually singing.
As it turns out, young Groban purposely avoided the usual pop artist packaging. He wanted to sing the way he sings—from his heart and soul. Romantic to the core. (YUM) I copied the following quote from his Web site to share with you: “I learned from touring that my fans are really open-minded, musical, intelligent people and I feel like they want to come on this new journey with me. The music still sounds like it’s coming from my heart and my soul and my voice. That is always the most important thing to me.”
Thank you, Josh, for giving your heart and soul and voice to all of us. Oh—one more thing. In his XM interview he said that he wouldn’t have auditioned for American Idol because so many of the singers on that show are chosen simply so that there can be someone to make fun of. No kidding. I have occasionally watched the final show but can’t bear to watch the competition week to week. It reminds me of the sacrificial approach of the Roman Coliseum!
Anyway, I was so overcome with appreciation for Josh, for my headphones, and for the technology of XM radio that I simply had to share my joy with you. Now, I’m going to go back and listen to the other songs, particularly Lullaby with Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and download some new ones from iTunes! Happy listening!
