It’s no secret that music resonates with many of us, almost as if it possesses its own unique language.
For centuries, as long as humans have been able to listen, music has held a significant place in our cultures, stirring deep emotions and inspiring countless individuals. While musical styles evolve over time, some songs remain timeless, continuing to evoke strong feelings and find appreciation long after their initial release.
One of the remarkable aspects of music, and songs in particular, is the unique interpretation each artist brings. A perfect example of this is “You Raise Me Up”, a classic first introduced in 2001 and later covered by notable artists like Josh Groban in 2003 and Westlife in 2005
Chances are you’ve heard this song, if not, it’s definitely worth a listen. The fact that over 100 artists have covered it speaks volumes about its enduring appeal. Among all the versions of this cherished ballad, one that stands out for its haunting beauty is performed by Brigham Young University’s Vocal Point.
Founded in 1991 by BYU students Dave Boyce and Bob Ahlander, BYU Vocal Point is a nine-member acapella group that quickly gained immense popularity on campus and finished fifth in NBC’s third season of The Sing-Off.
In 2018, they announced a record deal with Universal Music Group’s classical label, Decca Gold. Jason Bromley, one of the group’s members, remarked: “We’re ordinary college students doing extraordinary things”.
Their cover of “You Raise Me Up” is a true testament to their exceptional talent, creating unforgettable musical moments.
The accompanying video features the group harmonizing against a stunning mountainous backdrop, merging their voices in an awe-inspiring manner. Still skeptical? Check out the mesmerizing rendition of BYU Vocal Point in the video below:
Ever Noticed a Star on a Barn? Here’s What It Really Means
If you enjoy country life or just like taking walks away from busy cities, you may have noticed barn stars. These stars are often found above barn doors, either painted on or made of metal, and they serve as interesting decorations with a rich history.
But what do barn stars really mean? Where do they come from? If you’ve ever wondered about this, you’re in the right place. This article will explain a bit about barn stars and might even teach you something new.
The history of barn stars goes back over a hundred years, although there is some debate about their original purpose. Some sources say that these stars were first used to show who built the barn, acting as a sign to let everyone know who was responsible for constructing it.
According to The Copper Star, barn stars became popular after the American Civil War and can be traced back to at least the 1820s in Pennsylvania. Nowadays, people often associate barn stars with good luck and prosperity. Interestingly, the different colors of the stars each have their own special meanings too!
That’s right! Each color of barn stars has its own meaning. German-American farmers, for instance, placed these stars at the top of barns to keep away evil spirits and to help ensure a good harvest.
Barn stars are a tradition that has been passed down over the years and are believed to come from the Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish communities.
Interestingly, the different colors of stars represent different ideas. For example, brown stars symbolize friendship and strength, while white stars stand for purity and energy. A violet star represents holiness, and blue or black stars are meant to protect the farm.
Green stars symbolize growth and fertility for the crops, while bright yellow stars express love for both people and the sun.
Then there are “hex stars,” which are different from barn stars and showed up more than a century later.
You may have seen hex stars from time to time. They first appeared in the 1950s. According to the Kutztown Folk Festival, the change from barn stars to hex stars started with a man named Milton Hill in 1952.
Later, in the late 1950s, a Pennsylvania Dutch folk painter named Johnny Ott added superstitious meanings to his designs. He found that these signs sold much better with added meanings. The trend quickly spread, and these designs became known as “hex signs.”
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