In the late 1990s, the state's music scene, which is centered around the capital city of Providence, became nationally known for the noise rock scene that revolved around the Fort Thunder artists' collective.[citation needed]
In 1996, Rhode Island declared "Rhode Island, It's for Me" as the official state song. The lyrics were written by Charlie Hall, the music was written by Maria Day, and the piece was arranged by Kathryn Chester.[1] "Rhode Island, It's for Me" replaced "Rhode Island", which was subsequently named the official state march.[citation needed]
Other state-affiliated songs
"Rhode Island"
About
“Rhode Island", written by T. Clarke Browne, was the official state song for over 50 years, when it was replaced by "Rhode Island, It’s For Me".[2] It has since been renamed the official state march.[3]
Lyrics
The following are the lyrics for the song "Rhode Island":[4]
Here's to you, belov'd RHODE ISLAND,
With your Hills and Ocean Shore.
We are proud to hail you RHODY
And your patriots of yore.
First to claim your independence,
Great your heritage and fame.
The smallest State in all the Union,
We will glorify your name!
“Rhode Island Is Famous for You" also served as the theme song for Buddy Cianci's Radio Show, and was performed by Robert Goulet and Cianci himself at his 1995 mayoral inauguration.[5]
Providence, the state's capital, has a very strong local independent music scene, known especially for its contributions to the genre of noise rock, most notably the groups Lightning Bolt, Daughters, Black Dice, and Arab on Radar. Rap artists such as Sage Francis and John Phelps, formerly known as Lunchbagg, are among the notable figures combining DIY philosophy with Hip Hop. Other rap artists such as Dee Gomes, Jae Lynx, King OSF, J Duce, and Vick Mucka have grown prominent fan bases by representing the city's harsher neighborhoods and have gone on to sign with major record labels.[citation needed]
Singer-songwriter, musician, and lyricist Jeffrey Osborne was born and raised in Providence. Osborne spent over a decade as the drummer and lead vocalist for the American R&B/funk band L.T.D. Among his biggest hits with the group were "(Every Time I Turn Around) Back in Love Again" (1977), "Concentrate on You", "Love Ballad" (1976), and "Holding On (When Love Is Gone)" (1978). Osborne subsequently launched a successful solo career in 1982, charting with hit songs including "On the Wings of Love", "I Really Don't Need No Light" (No. 29 and No. 39, respectively, on the pop chart), "Don't You Get So Mad" (No. 25), "Stay with Me Tonight" (No. 30), "Plane Love" (No. 10 R&B, No. 6 dance), and "We're Going All the Way" (No. 48).[citation needed]
Newport has a much smaller scene, with Throwing Muses being its most successful rock band. The group formed in 1981 and recorded and toured until their hiatus in 2003. The band's lead guitarist and secondary songwriter, Tanya Donnelly also formed Belly, best known for their hit "Feed the Tree", which went to No. 1 on the Billboard Modern Rock chart in 1994. Donnelly was also briefly guitarist for The Breeders.[citation needed]
The singing family The Cowsills, who had Top 40 hits from 1967 to 1969 also are from Newport. They were the inspiration for the fictional Partridge Family.[citation needed]
Rockabilly singer Jody Gibson (née Joseph Paul Katzberg), who had a Gold Record with Good Morning Captain, spent much of his later life in Newport.[citation needed]
Fado, which has been compared with the Spanish flamenco, is a form of music characterized by mournful tunes and lyrics, often about the sea or the life of the poor, and infused with a characteristic sentiment of resignation, fatefulness, and melancholia (loosely captured by the word saudade, or "longing"). Fado performers play at local venues throughout Rhode Island and Southern Massachusetts.[citation needed]
The Azores is the major heritage of many Portuguese-Americans. In Rhode Island, most Portuguese traditional music is played by Azorean people. Azoreans maintain some distinct musical traditions, such as the traditionally fiddle-driven chamarrita dance. This dance and music is played mainly at weddings and Church festivals.[citation needed]
Azorean-Portuguese sensation Jorge Ferreira is a popular musician throughout New England, singing at many festivals and events.[citation needed]
Cape Verdean music
Of special importance is the music of the large Cape Verdean population. Although Cape Verdean music is largely unknown outside of the expatriate community, Rhode Island is the acknowledged center for Cape Verdean morna and other styles in the United States.[7]
The Newport Music Festival is a classical music festival that began in 1969 as a summer season of the Metropolitan Opera. The outdoor venue was not conducive to classical music performance, and instead the grand rooms of the stately Newport mansions were put to use for chamber music concerts. The early concerts used many members of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. Mark P. Malkovich, III has been the general director for 31 of the 37 seasons. It has become known for giving young international artists, such as Inessa Galante, a venue for their American debut.[citation needed]
Byron, Janet (1996). Country Music Lover's Guide to the U.S.A. (1st ed.). New York: St. Martin's Press. p. 178. ISBN0-312-14300-1.
Máximo, Susana & David Peterson (2000). "Music of Sweet Sorrow". In Broughton, Simon; Ellingham, Mark; McConnachie, James & Duane, Orla (eds.). World Music, Vol. 1: Africa, Europe and the Middle East. London: Rough Guides. pp. 448–457. ISBN1-85828-636-0.
