Good Masterclass Monday Morning to all of you! It’s been a while, hasn’t it? But have I got something for you!

Below, you will be treated to an excellent performance of “Trouble” by Robert Preston from the movie version of Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man”.

I have also included the opening scene from this show, “Rock Island”.

And as I was watching these videos, it dawned on me that Hip Hop and Rap artists should take special note of this and other similar numbers in this classic musical.

The verbal bantering synchronized to an underlying harmonic and rhythmic structure is very similar to what we see and hear from our current Rap and Hip Hop artists.

This song definitely encompasses a more retro feel in content and, of course, the genre is very much Broadway.

However, what I did appreciate about The Music Man numbers was the clarity of the words – one thing that suffers so much when some of our Rap or Hip Hop artists perform.

I would absolutely love to hear a Rap/Hip Hop artist cover this number. How cool would that be?

And it would cross to a genre that is the polar opposite of what has become the norm in the pop industry.

TROUBLE

ROCK ISLAND

The year was 1988 and the occasion was the Tony Awards. However, this performance, featured below, is timeless and so appropriate for Halloween.

Both Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman render exceptional performances during this medley of songs from Phantom Of The Opera.

Happy Halloween everyone. Enjoy the goodies and the kiddies and all the fun associated with this annual spookiest.

This is an absolutely incredible opening number from the Tony Awards last evening.

It put a smile on my face and made me realize why I love the Broadway genre so much.