When Lena Horne died on May 9, 2010, at the age of 92, she was revered as one of the most important women of the 20th century. And it all started in the Diocese of Brooklyn for the award-winning singer, actress, and civil rights activist.
music
Hispanic Music Enriches Catholic Worship in the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Parishes
Music traditions honoring Hispanic heritage are an integral part of the Catholic faith, especially in the Diocese of Brooklyn, where you can find Latino musical influences ranging from mariachi to folklórico performed in Spanish-speaking parishes.
Our Lady of Angels Music Director Has Devoted Career to Serving the Church
Music director Scott Battaglia has pursued music ministry across New York City, now bringing his lifelong passion for church music to Our Lady of Angels and St. Anselm’s.
Among Her Souvenirs: Connie Francis’ Faith Shaped Her Life and Music
Connie Francis, the trailblazing pop icon and first Catholic female solo artist to top the Billboard charts, has died at 86. Her story is one of musical triumphs, personal tragedy, and enduring faith — leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable songs and strength through adversity.
Tuned Into Faith: Musician Michael Zabrocki Prepares for Special Concert at Holy Trinity Church
Michael Zabrocki, director of music ministries at Holy Trinity Church in Whitestone, is preparing for a concert on June 27 for the feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and the close of the Jubilee celebration on the 350th anniversary of his apparition.
Pipe-and-Drum Lessons Ignite Harmony at St. Patrick Parish
On March 6, the lower church at St. Patrick Parish hummed with a cacophony of reed instruments called “practice chanters” and a staccato of drum-sticks hitting practice pads, all to Celtic melodies and beats.
Faith, Religious Music Helped Shape Carter’s Beliefs, World Views
Jimmy Carter’s legacy is firmly cemented in America and worldwide. It includes many accomplishments both during and after his presidency, all of which can be traced back to the foundation of his faith and the religious music that he cherished. Carter, who died on Dec. 29 at the age of 100, has been called the first “rock ‘n’ roll president,” and he certainly was, embracing friendships with artists like Willie Nelson, Gregg Allman, Charlie Daniels, Larry Gatlin, Johnny Cash, and Bob Dylan, to name a few.
Songstress’ New Tune Adapts ‘Prayer of St. Francis’
Karen Olson is a classical music prodigy. Her latest work is “Divine Echoes,” a spiritual album that features the song “Pilgrimage Prayer,” a modern adaptation of the “Prayer of St. Francis.” The record blends religious and spiritual songs with a New Age sensibility, while admittedly drawing on her vast musical experiences and deep-rooted Christian faith.
Deacon Liguori Helping Get Elvis Back to the Chapel
In 1987, Deacon Anthony Liguori became an Elvis tribute artist to help preserve the artist’s legacy. In concerts, he plays songs from all the different stages of Elvis’ life — the young ’50s rocker, the leather-clad ’60s star, and the latter-day ’70s Vegas-era Elvis in the white flowing outfits with the scarves — the way Liguori said he believes that people remember him best.
Multi-Talented Music Director Has Ties to Both St. Francis Schools
Michael Fontana has dedicated the past 30 years of his life to producing and directing pastoral music in the Roman Catholic tradition. He also has a rich background in music as a composer — having published his first piece of organ music at the age of 18 — and has continued to compose, with several pieces published last year.