First Lines
"Now that you're out of my life, I'm so much better"
Music activates many regions of the brain, including emotions and this, or what helps you recall the songs you listened to in your early twenties.
What is memory?
This "Real Slim Shady" artist abused prescription drugs until a near-death experience in 2007 motivated him to get clean.
Who is Eminem?
The rapper has been clean since 2008.
Examples of this instrument have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs and temples. The modern-day version is commonplace in many ensembles and was more recently thrown into the spotlight by a singer of “Truth Hurts” fame.
What is the flute?
Riverbend Music Center is an outdoor amphitheater on the banks of the Ohio River that has a capacity of over 20,000. Many notable musicians have held concerts here, including this "tropical rock" legend, who played 54 shows at Riverbend over a span of 35 years.
Who is Jimmy Buffett?
"All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go"
What is "Leaving on a Jet Plane" by John Denver?
Research suggests that music can decrease feelings of pain and this, which can include loss of interest in hobbies, irritability, trouble concentrating, reduce appetite, and sleep disturbances.
What is depression?
This singer, who shares a name with a color, is well-loved by her fanbase for speaking openly about mental health, including her experiences with depression, anxiety, and panic attacks.
Who is Pink?
During an interview in 2019, the singer said, “I’ve been depressed; I have anxiety. I overthink everything... I think talking about [mental health] is the most important thing. I’m hopeful that the taboo of it is all going away because more and more people are talking about it.”
This larger-than-life instrument has the lowest pitch in the brass family (I.e., think trumpets).
What is the tuba?
Cincinnati Music Hall is known as a venue for classical music and dance, being home to the Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Opera (the nation's second-oldest opera company), Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, and Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. However, many contemporary greats have also performed there, including this blues musician and his partner Lucille.
Who is B.B. King?
"Well sometimes I go out by myself, and I look across the water"
What is "Valerie" by Amy Winehouse?
What is anxiety?
This influential rapper of To Pimp a Butterfly fame struggles with depression and suicidal ideation.
Who is Kendrick Lamar?
When asked about his song "U," Lamar shared, "I’ve pulled that song not only from previous experiences, but, I think my whole life, I think everything is drawn out of that.... Nothing was as vulnerable as that record. So it’s even pulling from those experiences of coming up in Compton. It’s pulling from the experience of going through change and accepting change — that’s the hardest thing for man, accepting change.”
The name for this instrument stems from an Italian word meaning “small large violin.” The oldest known example of one is called The King and was built between 1538 and 1560.
What is the cello?
The Andrew J. Brady Music Center, a venue named after a local musician and Conservatory of Music alum (a school that later merged with UC), has been attracting musicians and bands from all different genres, including Bob Dylan and this rapper of "Just Wanna Rock" and "Lucid Dreams" fame.
Who is Lil Uzi Vert?
"Turn around"
What is "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler?
Evidence suggests that music can help to lower levels of this stress hormone.
What is cortisol?
This singer, who has talked openly about living with depressed, was the youngest of ten children, including five brothers who formed a famous Motown group in the 1960s, but paved her own way as a powerful musician, dancer, and actor.
Who is Janet Jackson?
In a 2018 issue of Essence, Jackson wrote, “I struggled with depression. The struggle was intense … Low self-esteem might be rooted in childhood feelings of inferiority. It could relate to failing to meet impossibly high standards. And of course there are always the societal issues of racism and sexism. Put it all together and depression is a tenacious and scary condition. Thankfully, I found my way through it.”
Some researchers believe that humans sang before they spoke, and although many people feel self-conscious about singing and claim to have this condition, only 4% of the population actually do.
What is congenital amusia or tone-deafness?
"I'd sit alone and watch your lights"
What is "Radio Ga Ga" by Queen?
Music can offer a way to experience this, which is defined as “providing psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions.”
What is catharsis?
This bassist for a rosy classic rock band released a song in 2023 titled "This is the Song," which he says was written while experiencing a panic attack.
Who is Duff McKagan of Guns N' Roses?
This instrument is part of the percussion family (think drums, xylophones, shakers), but it looks nothing like a drum. Instead, it's large and has hammers and strings.
What is the piano?