Intro: How many Christmas songs can you sing by heart? I bet you know a lot of them!
Now, how about singing a song about Thanksgiving. What? You don’t know any? That’s because there are no memorable ones, until now.
Karen Sokolof Javitch, an award-winning songwriter, former radio talk-show host, and creator of 4 musicals and 16 CD’s, is on a mission to change that. She just released both a Thanksgiving ditty and a beautiful song about this traditional, American, family holiday.
As Karen was planning her family meal for Thanksgiving, she knew her kids would want to sing some songs. But then she thought, “We don’t know any Thanksgiving songs. I need to write, sing and record one, quickly!” So that is exactly what she did!
The result: A fun and melodic 15-second ditty was born. “Hap Hap Happy Thanksgiving Day,” a song about being grateful on Thanksgiving. It’s a song so simple that everyone, young and old, will be able to sing it!
Hap hap happy Thanksgiving day!
We’re grateful for the food that comes our way!
With family and friends, we smile and say!
Hap hap happy Thanksgiving day!
Welcome Karen!
Q&A:
Q1) Penn State University in 2015 wrote the following, based on completed research into song lyrics: “While we might not be trying to learn the lyrics of songs, sometimes a catchy tune can get stuck in our heads and make the connection that other information cannot.” What do you know about this?
Asnwer: That is why show tunes are so memorable. They tell a story that evokes emotions and memories. That is why I write specialty songs for special occasions, i.e. holidays and life cycle events. I am thrilled that my music has been featured in children’s TV shows, classrooms, and two movies, while my musicals have been produced in venues throughout the country. I can only hope that my new jingle and Thanksgiving song will become part of Thanksgiving tradition, just like Christmas songs.”
Q2) In addition to your short 15-second song, you have a full-length Thanksgiving song called ‘My Thanksgiving Song’ that emphasizes gratitude, blessings, love, and life. What inspired you to write that?
Answer; All too often, we sit around the dinner table and are oblivious as to why we are really celebrating. Plus, everyone can relate to music. Especially happy music. So, I followed my inspiration.
Q3) A 2013 Forbes article titled “7 Scientifically Proven Benefits Of Gratitude That Will Motivate You To Give Thanks Year-Round,” written by Amy Morin, states, “It’s that time of year where many people are thinking about all they have to be thankful for. Are you familiar with that article and can you elaborate?
Answer: Amy Morin also wrote, “It’s nice to count your blessings on Thanksgiving, being thankful throughout the year could have tremendous benefits on your quality of life. I agree with Amy.
Q4) Amy Morin added, “In fact, gratitude may be one of the most overlooked tools that we all have access to every day. Cultivating gratitude doesn’t cost any money and it certainly doesn’t take much time, but the benefits are enormous.” She then added listed seven benefits of gratitude. Can you share those 7 with us?
Answer:
- Gratitude opens the door to more relationships. …
- Gratitude improves physical health…
- Gratitude improves psychological health.
- Gratitude enhances empathy and reduces aggression. …
- Grateful people sleep better…
- Gratitude improves self-esteem…
- Gratitude increases mental strength…
Q5) I believe you have a Thanksgiving gift for those in our audience. Tell us what that is.
Answer: As a way of my giving thanks this year for my family and all my blessings, I am giving away both my short jingle and longer format Happy Thanksgiving songs as free downloads for every American family to enjoy during this holiday season. The songs can be played at school, at home or wherever. I would be happy to provide the sheet music and song to any school, recording artist and to any radio station upon request to my email jmrp@cox.net
Q6) What is the website for the free songs, as well as your other songs and videos?
Answer: www.JMRproductions.com
The 15-second song, Hap Hap Happy Thanksgiving, may be heard at:
https://jmrproductions.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Happy-Thanksgiving-Day.mp3
The 2-minute-long Thanksgiving Song may be heard at:
https://jmrproductions.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Second-Version-Thanksgiving-Song.mp3
About Karen Sokolof Javitch:
Karen’s diverse creations include songs about exercising, celebrities, holidays, political figures, babies, children, math, patriotism, love, and family. Her light-hearted song, “In the Nursery,” about the Octomom, garnered about 10 million views on YouTube.
Besides Karen’s 15 albums, she has co-written 4 musicals and was the creator and co-host of a popular Omaha radio show, “It’s the Beat.” Her musicals include “Princess Diana the Musical,” “From Generation to Generation,” and “Love at the Café.” These shows have been performed in many cities in the United States.
In addition, Ms. Javitch has raised over $350,000 for national and local charities with her original music.
