Thankful Thursday Means Being Grateful for Soul Pioneers

Last updated on August 12th, 2023 at 01:41 pm

Today I am thankful for music and how it can inspire you to let go of fear and take a chance on something that will change your life.

At times when I feel stressed or overwhelmed, music helps me connect with my true spirit and allows me to rise above situations where I may feel “less than.” Music somehow amplifies the love in my heart and changes my energy. Music is a big part of my world (as well as inspirational lyrics), and even more so now that I have a daughter to sing to.

Inspirational women in the music industry are important role models for women who want to make their dreams come true. The music business has typically been a predominantly male institution, and women who are pioneers in breaking into this business have our gratitude.

In the U.S., June is known as African-American Music Appreciation Month, which has existed for over 30 years to celebrate Black music. It was originally started as “Black Music Month” by U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who, on June 7, 1979, decreed that June would be the month of Black music.

I think it was pure luck that I happened to write my first “music-related” gratitude story in June of 2012. The vibe must have been calling out to me in South Africa to celebrate music in June!

I receive emails from readers, publishing companies, agents, and media personalities asking us to look at, read about, or interview subjects on anything related to women, empowerment, inspiration, and causes changing the world. Non-profit organizations doing fabulous, world-changing work.

In honor of African-American Music Appreciation Month, I was informed (via email) of internationally acclaimed backing singer Karen Bernod, who is re-releasing her music single “Soul Pioneer.” With this release, Karen is celebrating the talent that has made soul music what it is today by giving thanks to many accomplished artists that have given us the music we listen to today.

“Soul Pioneer” honors Black music month and is a tribute to the music that African-American artists have contributed, specifically from the 1960s through today.

If you are not familiar with Karen Bernod, she has performed background vocals for such superstars as Chaka Khan, Mary J. Blige, Luther Vandross, Paul Simon, and Erykah Badu. Karen’s music encompasses all of her influences, from Marvin Gaye to Ella Fitzgerald, Natalie Cole to Chaka Khan, Curtis Mayfield to Billie Holiday and Erykah Badu. Karen believes we enter each other’s lives for a Divine Intervention. (Source: Wikipedia)

With her single “Soul Pioneer,” Karen simply wants to say “thank you” to all those who have contributed their talents to help make soul music what it is today. Karen gives gratitude shout-outs to artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, The Jackson 5, Chaka Khan, Natalie Cole, Mary J. Blige, and many other powerful, accomplished musicians that have helped define the music of today.

Karen sings:

You paved the way
Because of you we’ve got such great music today
The bluesy gospel country R&B you hear
Which stands the test of time year after year after year.

Karen’s soulful, jazzy, and upbeat rhythms shine an inspirational light on gratitude and this singer’s rich history in music.

In gratitude for African-American Music Appreciation Month, take a moment to listen to Karen’s single “Soul Pioneer” by clicking on the image below and take a moment to be thankful: