I know it has been quite a while since I've done much of anything, which is due to a combination of factors, and the most recent developments with the protests hasn't made things any easier. With this channel I've only ever wanted to inspire people, share with them experiences that they may not have been in a position to participate in, broaden people's minds and a love of music, which I believe is a fundamental building block that connects all of us, regardless of gender, race, age, spirituality or sexuality.


Before I get into a long speech, that although no one may read, I felt I had to write, if nothing more than for myself to express my thoughts on the subject, I better speak a little on the song. Nana Mouskouri was one of the very first concerts I saw with my parents when I was young and when I heard that she was going to tour again, I rushed out and bought tickets to treat my parents to her concert, (as they never go to any.) At 83 years old, she was as remarkable as I remembered her being. Her voice is timeless, powerful, and inspirational. This song, when she sang it live, was overpoweringly emotional. In my mind, this was the best rendition of this hymn I have ever heard. Unfortunately, I didn't record video and the sound quality of the recording can't duplicate just how incredible the performance was, or do it justice, but I felt that this was the best time to release this and hopefully it will bring hope to those that need it.....


Now, for a few personal insights...



Unfortunately, the events going on right now don't effect a few select people, but everyone around the world, people of all shades. There are no 'white' or 'black' people, there are simply different shades of 'human beings' on a sliding scale. People change color as they age, get diseases, have blood problems, or as simply as when they sit in the sun. People pay a lot of money for suntans, which although they might not want to admit it to themselves, is purposefully darkening their skin. My skin tone is extremely different now than when I was young, as I had blood issues and I was extremely pale. Luckily today, although I'm still a lot paler than I would like, I am a lot darker than I was, and although I've tried to get suntans, my skin is so fair that I simply burn instead and don't retain the color. In my books, I consider that a bad thing. I understand the reasoning behind the #BlackLivesMatter hashtag and movement and I fully support equality for all people. I understand the anger, frustration and the need for institutional change across the board. I understand why people are protesting and believe that peaceful protests can not only be impactful, but can be vital. And I know that the vast majority of people involved are doing it in a just and peaceful way, not trying to incite more violence.


My one issue is that things are once again being looked at from too narrow a viewpoint. Racism far too often becomes a 'black' and 'white' issue, but that isn't the root of the problem, it is merely an extension of a far deeper fear: the lack of understanding of people that are different from yourself. We all have it, even when we try not to. It isn't about curing our fears of the unknown, but coming to terms with them, realizing we have them, and confronting them. This basic underlying prejudice is what makes 'human beings' racist against ourselves. This includes blacks, whites, mentality handicapped people, physically handicapped people and anyone that for any multitude of reasons doesn't feel like they fit in the society or community that they belong to. Until we treat EVERYONE with dignity, respect and justice, we will continue to live in a world where equality isn't the rule, but the exception. #AllLivesMatter


#NanaMouskouri #ForeverYoungTour #AmazingGrace #ForeverYoung #RoyalTheatre #Victoria #AllLivesMatter

This is Nana Mouskouri performing an emotionally powerful and moving rendition of the 'Amazing Grace' hymn live at Royal Theatre, Victoria, BC on May 3rd, 2018, during the inspiring Forever Young Tour!

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(All my concert footage I personally recorded and am only uploading to promote the artists in question. I am not doing it for monetary gain and claim no copyright on the content of the recordings. If you own the rights to the media used in the video and have a problem with it being uploaded on my channel, please contact me through YouTube, E-Mail, or Twitter.)