Kathy Mattea Keynote remarks and song - SERFA 2017

[@gailwilliams2678]

I sang my way through 19 months of surgeries and chemotherapy after having my left leg and part of my pelvis amputated because of bone cancer in November of 1974. I sang the Lutheran liturgy, Rogers and Hammerstein, traditional music, anything that came to mind. Singing was the only way I could pray for myself. Thirty years later, in a café in Seattle, I ran into one of the docs who would check in on me occasionally, and he said, "I never asked what room you were in; I just listened for the singing." I believe that music saved my life. Truly. I have lost my voice to essential tremor, and I grieve that every day. Singing is our birthright; yes, it is. In all my years teaching, I never told a child not to sing. Thanks, Kathy.

[@teresal5174]

I wonder why hospitals don't encourage patients and visitors (and hospital staff!) to sing- for any reason. Music is such a healing instrument. So needed in such a cold, ugly, barren place

[@juswillit]

Beautiful.

[@billstellwagen]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful story. God Bless you!

[@bjornwilder2073]

I know it is quite off topic but do anybody know of a good place to stream new tv shows online?

[@maximilianjon8930]

@Bjorn Wilder Try flixzone. You can find it by googling :)

[@jjoy7]

Wow❣️ thank you for sharing. You are a blessing. I hope to see you in Ohio two months.

[@rebeccadent464]

The voice of an angel. I have loved her "forever and a day".

[@bbpring]

My Dad had dementia of some sort and gradually became withdrawn to the point that he just would not interact with us. Spending time with him was difficult because its hard to keep up a monologue. One day as is was thinking about the situation, I remembered how much he loved music and opera especially. So the next time I went to see him I brought my MP3 player and some headphones. I put on Aida, one that he was particularly fond of and placed the headphones on him. It was the first time I had seen him smile in years. He could connect with music long after everything else failed to engage him. I am convinced that music goes deep into our souls. Thank you Kathy for affirming this.

[@spartafarm]

I don't know if Kathy Mattea will see this, but Kathy, you have been my favorite female singer next to the incomparable Karen Carpenter, and for me that's saying something. We are all so blessed to still have you and it is tremendously rewarding to realize what a fine, fine passionate musician you are! I did not think I would enjoy this video, but when I started viewing it, I was just swept into your words. The 3 stories you shared had me weeping with great joy and could relate to it all. Thank you for your words and thank you for conveying the reality of knowing and being where you came from. You are truly a wonderful woman! By the way, you still look fantastic!

[@geoffessel70]

I thank you for the enjoyment you give us ! Wish you would come to Syracuse, New York!

[@dharleyfan1]

I met Kathy at a show, when a band I was in opened for her and Bobby Bare. She was such a warm, and genuine person, I remember it leaving a mark on me. Then she told us she was going to do a song she wrote, by herself, with her guitar and asked us to tell her what we thought about it. Well it was one of those moments she talks about here. It was so moving and organic and natural feeling, but also SO majestic, and powerful and penetrating, that it moved me to tears. I even told her that it was so beautiful, it made me cry. She hugged me and kissed me on the cheek, which made everyone, else jealous lol. But it was something I never forgot, and something that I always hoped would happen to me thousands of times throughout my life. To move someone to tears, with music is something you will NEVER FORGET. I wish that everyone on earth, even people who aren't musically gifted, could experience the feeling of taking a THING and making music come out of it, it's a very powerful and very therapeutic feeling, that reboots you every single time. Like her saying, music saved her life, music has also saved my life, and probably millions of other peoples lives too. I'm so glad and so blessed that I am able to play music. Kathy is a great ambassador, for music, and has a genuine way of showing her feelings about it, just like she does in her music. God Bless Her, and I'm glad I met her.

[@jimmoos2557]

I have to admit, this song changed my life. We saw Kathy in concert and the name Nanci Griffith was unknown; however, the refrain haunted me until I found it in Google. Then Nanci Griffith. Nanci and Kathy -- two wonders!!

[@trevormcgaughran9351]

Just came across this by chance while scrolling. I've been a fan of Kathy's music for many years. What a joy it was to listen to her inspirational talk and hear her sing one of Nanci's songs. Both Kathy and Nanci are amongst my favourite singers.

[@marybrewer2203]

Haven't seen Kathy for awhile. She looks beautiful. Her thoughts and memories on singing as she grew up dovetail with my own. ( all-state choir, singing as a way for an out of place girl to be accepted, etc) I wish I knew her. I'd love to sing with this lady.

[@jonellecochran3875]

What wonderful stories. Kathy, don’t you wish there were smart phones back then, when all of you were singing on the balcony? I’d love to have seen and heart that. I remember you from Country in the Rockies I, II, and lIl. I knew nothing about Country music before I met you at charity bartending night. I painted the hat with your Clown in the Rodeo portrait on it. I love your voice and your songs and now your stories. Thank you!

[@susancantorna1097]

The "sacredness of the ordinary." Worth remembering. The profound sacredness of gatherings. This presentation made more sense to me than anything I've heard in quite a while. Something I can really relate to.

[@ursulamulder110]

And how much more do those sentiments resonate now, during the Corona crisis... We all have to dig so much more deeply. Stay strong. So happy to have stumbled upon this talk!!

[@LynetteDiazMusic]

Thank you for posting this and thank you, Kathy Mattea, for this incredible gift of a speech and gift of your presence!

[@herbrv]

You do West Virginia proud, Kathy.

[@billycremin9189]

Wow! I've been dipping in and out of your music for a few years now and have always found your voice mesmerising. I only found this clip tonight and every single thing you say about music is true. It is a refuge for so many people, a safe place and it has save so many people. You're an angel.

[@nancybeatty1006]

Thank you Kathy for sharing you with us. God Bless.

[@SusanLeBlanc-p2g]

Excellent for uplifting everyone.

[@wmorgan185]

Blessed to have found this. So many familiar aspects. Sadly I was never released from feeling out of place and being shy. Still.... singing and playing makes everything all right again, for me

[@libertyann439]

So amazing to see this side of a favorite singer of mine. I sing too and there's something really magic in it.

[@glennwillow5124]

Absolutely wonderful presentation! Brought tears to my eyes more than once -- THANK YOU! - Glenn

[@davidtamulevich8587]

:-) What a fine, fine thing to watch and share....thank you Kathy.

[@ohdeerme]

Kathy - It's always a Pleasure to hear you speak. Tonight you had me in tears and I was not alone. On another occasion at a graduation commencement speech you had the whole room in your hands and you could hear a pin drop. I did see you Live one night at "Lakeside" on the shores of Lake Erie in Ohio. You are a "One" of a kind singer and Great entertainer and after a long & beautiful concert you "Took" the time to do a "Meet & Great" after your show and talk with everyone there that evening ! You are One of a kind...........Thanks, Denny

[@j.j.freeman3384]

Kathy Mattea, thank you for sharing your beautiful history, passion and sheer joy of singing and music, and how it shaped, developed and crafted the magnificent vocals that you gift each of us with. You have given me the courage to sing despite who is or is not listening. Pilamayaye mita kola (thank you my friend) 👍

[@hughscot]

I love this woman.

[@jimmcgettigan1326]

Still fresh after so many years.

[@gregdonoghue3464]

Kathy you are like a fine wine! Enjoy the journey!

[@gregwarner9600]

Don't you just love Kathy 😊

[@corghhh]

Huge fan of Kathy Mattea :)

[@lupecalderon6859]

So sad, "You are my sunshine...." Beautiful

[@TexRangerx]

Miss hearing your songs Kathy . Love your song Knee Deep . I introduce your Music to friends , They Look at me and say , Who is that , I never hear of her .. My come back is , where have you Been ..LOL

[@jennieanderson971]

Great love and Respect for wonderful music!!❤️✨✨✨

[@kimkochel8157]

Kathy Mattea is the BEST. I was a member of her fan club years ago. It was a very very classy fan club. I have all of Kathys CDs,and enjoy each one of them. My favorite song,Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses. That was the song that hooked me on Kathy Mattea. Thank you Kathy, from your #1 Canadian fan forever. 🇨🇦😀🌹🌹🌈🦋

[@kimkochel6754]

Not only is Kathy a great singer. She is a wonderful speaker for Altzheimer Disease. I lost my Dad to Dementia and other health issues. I came across this video and Kathy speaking about Mom(Ruth)makes my journey that much easier. Thank you Kathy. Blessings to you. 🙏🌹🌟🌈🦋 If you haven't heard "Where Have You Been?" written by her husband, Jon Vezner, give it a a listen it will bring you to tears. It's a true story about Jons grandparents.

[@marybrewer2203]

My husband and I are singers, sometimes songwriters. I believe I need to look up some more info!