By J. Parker Adair
On Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, the world was shocked by terrorist attacks but several people decided to use their talents to help the US effort.
In the weeks following the attacks, several tribute concerts popped up all over. Some performers included Celine Dion, Dave Matthews Band, Mariah Carey, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi and of course, U2. Enrique Iglesias’ Hero became the anthem of Sept. 11, and could be heard on the radio every minute of the day. One of the reasons for this is that every time the song was played, Enrique donated money to the 9-11 Heroes fund.
Americans turned to music to express how they felt. A John Lennon tribute concert titled Imagine became an NYC tribute and really expressed the nature of the attacks. Remixes of songs like Creed’s Higher used voice-overs by the president and broadcasters to build up the American spirit. God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood moved a nation to tears. It could be heard at the drop of a hat on the radio and even on TV between commercials. Americans stood united and music gave a soundtrack to how they felt.
Sir Paul McCartney’s Concert for New York held last October featured an all-star lineup that included rock legends like Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, David Bowie and The Who, as well as more contemporary acts like The Backstreet Boys and the Goo Goo Dolls. The proceeds of the concert and the resulting two-disc CD and DVD sets went to charity.
As Super Bowl XXXVI came within minutes of kickoff, Faith Hill did the most beautiful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner since Whitney Houston during the Gulf War. As the year went on, more and more songs popped up in remembrance and stirred up patriotism.
Alan Jackson asked "Where were you on that September day?" And Toby Keith stirred up controversy when he threatened to "Stick a boot in their ass … courtesy of the red, white and blue."
Throughout the events of our lives, music provides a soundtrack. In the case of Sept. 11, it played a huge roll in the rebuilding of our country’s morale. In the coming year, we will be faced with new challenges and new events and music will be there to provide the soundtrack for our lives.
