United in Song

Ring in the new year with us as we come together across America through the arts.

With performances and appearances by Matt Doyle, Carolina Gaitn, Natalie Grant, Mandy Gonzalez.

Joaquina Kalukango, Tiler Peck, Roman Mejia, Milck, Ricardo Morales, Jacqueline Schwab, Reginald Smith, Jr., Rhonda Vincent, Wendlo, Brett Young, Raye Zaragoza with the American Pops Orchestra conducted by Luke Frazier.

[applause] FLEMING: Good evening.

I'm Rene Fleming, and I'm here at the Gala Hispanic Theater in the Heart of our nation's capital.

And I am so excited to be celebrating New Year's Eve with you tonight right here on PBS.

Having performed in the very first United in Song broadcast back in 2020 at Mount Vernon, I couldn't be happier to be joining such an extraordinary group of talented artists.

What a difference two years makes in how we're able to come together.

Tonight, we are not only ringing in the New Year, we are joining together to share our culture through the extraordinary power of the arts.

This incredible country of ours is as diverse as it is wide, but let it be said, our shared values are stronger than anything that separates us.

And that's what you're going to see tonight.

We're taking you on a musical journey to unique and historic theaters across America, beginning on the banks of the Ohio River at the Peoples Bank Theater.

From the vaudeville acts popular when it opened in 1911 to the wide range of shows it presents today, this historic theater has become a staple of its community and woven itself into the tapestry of America's artistic history.

So now, please welcome the American Pops Orchestra, led by Luke Frazier with the one-and-only Grammy winning queen of Bluegrass, Rhonda Vincent.

VINCENT: She pulled out of Mobile in the pouring rain Moving through the darkness Like a hurricane From southern New Port waters To the Cumberland so green Louisville by Nashville and all points in between Pounding out a rhythm making up lost time, heading up for that Bluegrass State of mind White smoke a rollin' Whistle a blowin' Listening to her engine keeping time Kentucky borderline Montgomery by morning Birmingham by noon Onward through the distance upward to the moon Her lonesome whistle cries a low sighed refrain Like the boys down on Mill street Singing of the pain No one is gonna stop her from her appointed rounds This train is moving on its glory bound White smoke a rollin' Whistle a blowin' Listening to her engine keeping time Kentucky borderline Her lungs are full of fire Breathing burning coal A raging locomotion like thunder when it rolls Singing for the mighty Who cast her molten steel, drawed the spike And layed the rail To ride beneath her wheels The pride of our nation she's a monument to them A southern bell that mighty L&N White smoke a rollin' Whistle a blowin' Listening to her engine keeping time Kentucky borderline White smoke a rollin' Whistle a blowin' Listening to her engine keeping time Kentucky borderline Kentucky borderline [applause] [applause] YOUNG: I can't count the times I almost said what's on my mind But I didn't And just the other day I wrote down all the things I'd say But I couldn't I just couldn't Baby, I know that you've been wonderin' Oh, so here goes nothin' In case you didn't know Baby, I'm crazy 'bout you And I would be lyin' If I said that I could live this life without you Even though I don't tell you all the time You had my heart a long, long time ago In case you didn't know The way you look tonight That second glass of wine That did it There was somethin' 'bout that kiss Girl, it did me in Got me thinkin' I'm thinkin' All of the things that I've been feelin' Girl, it's time you hear 'em In case you didn't know Baby, I'm crazy 'bout you And I would be lyin' if I said That I could live this life without you Even though I don't tell you all the time You had my heart A long, long time ago In case you didn't know You got all of me I belong to you Yeah, you're my everything In case you didn't know I'm crazy 'bout you I would be lyin' if I said That I could live this life without you Even though I don't tell you all the time You had my heart A long, long time ago Yeah, you had my heart A long, long time ago Mm, in case you didn't know No, no In case you didn't know Oh, oh, oh, oh Thank you.

[applause] [applause] GONZALEZ: I had a dream A dream about you, baby It's gonna come true, baby They think that we're through, but baby You'll be swell You'll be great Gonna have the whole world on a plate Starting here.

Starting now Honey, everything's coming up roses Clear the decks Clear the tracks You've got nothing to do but relax Blow a kiss, take a bow Honey, everything's coming up roses Now's your inning Stand the world on it's ear Set it spinning, that'll be just the beginning Curtains up, light the lights We've got nothing to hit but the heights You'll be swell You'll be great I can tell, just you wait That lucky star I talk about is due Honey, everything's coming up roses for me and for you You can do it All you need is a hand We can do it Mama is gonna see to it Curtain up Light the lights You got nothing to hit but the heights I can tell, wait and see There's the bell, follow me And nothing's gonna stop us 'til we're through Honey, everything's coming up roses and daffodils Everything's gonna be sunshine and Santa Claus Everything's gonna be bright lights and lollipops Everything's coming up roses for me and for you Everything's coming up roses for me and for you [applause] SMITH, JR.: I got a crown up in-a that kingdom Ain't-a that good news I got a crown up in-a that kingdom Ain't-a that good news I'm-a gonna lay down this world gonna shoulder up-a my cross Gonna take it home-a to my Jesus Ain't-a that good news I got a robe up in-a that kingdom Ain't-a that good news I got a robe up in-a that kingdom Ain't-a that good news I'm-a gonna lay down this world Gonna shoulder up-a my cross Gonna take it home-a to my Jesus Ain't-a that good news I got news to tell ya, I got good news I got news to tell ya, I got good news Yes, he woke me up this morning And decided me on my way I got news to tell ya, I got good news I got a Savior in-a that kingdom Ain't-a that good news I got a Savior in-a that kingdom Ain't-a that good news Yes, I'm-a gonna lay down this world Gonna shoulder up-a my cross Gonna take it home-a to my Jesus Ain't-a that good news, good news Good news, my Lord Ain't-a that good news [applause] GRANT: It's hard to stand On shifting sand It's hard to shine in the Shadows of the night You can't be free If you don't reach for help And you can't love If you don't love yourself But I've got hope when my faith runs out 'Cause I'm in better hands now It's like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down It's like my soul is flying though my feet Are on the ground So, take this heart of mine there's no doubt 'Cause I'm in better hands now I am strong All because of you I stand in awe of every mountain that you move Oh I am changed, yesterday is gone I am safe from this moment on Oh, there's no fear when the night comes 'round 'Cause I'm in better hands now It's like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down It's like my soul is flying Though my feet are on the ground So take this heart of mine there's no doubt I'm in better hands now I'm in better hands now It's like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down It's like my soul is flying but my feet They're on the ground Its like the world is silent though I know it isn't true Its like the breath of Jesus is right here in this room So take this heart of mine there's no doubt I'm in better hands I'm in your hands now I'm in better hands now [applause] JACKSON: Good evening.

I'm Christopher Jackson, and I'm here at the Triad Theater in New York City, just one of the unique and historic theaters across America that we're showcasing tonight right here on PBS.

The Egyptian theater is a beacon of Boise history, standing strong and ornate in Idaho's capital city since 1927.

The iconic Egyptian architectural detailing has been maintained and restored, giving the theater an unmistakable facade that delights both its patrons and its passers by.

From the stage of the Egyptian theater in Boise, Idaho, please welcome recording artist, writer, producer and artist: Milck.

MILCK: No one can tell ya There's only one song worth singing They may try and sell ya 'Cause it hangs them up to see someone like you But you gotta make your own kind of music Sing your own special song Make your own kind of music Even if nobody else sings along You're gonna be nowhere The loneliest kind of lonely It may be hard going Just to do your thing's the hardest thing to do But you gotta make your own kind of music Sing your own special song Make your own kind of music Even if nobody else sings along Now, if you cannot take my hand And if you must be going, I will understand 'Cause you gotta make your own kind of music Sing your own special song Make your own kind of music Even if nobody else sings along Sing your own song [applause] ZARAGOZA: Leave all your possessions Leave behind your clothes Lose your inhibitions, you can't wear them Where we'll go Jump into the water Feel it in your bones You and I will chase the night Into the great unknown Can we run Into the wild Chase the sun on into the wild See the world just like you did When you were just a child.

Can we run into the wild Into the wild Grab on to the moment When it gets in close All that simple beauty is Right there for you to hold Take my hand and understand That I won't let you go You and I will chase the night Into the great unknown Can we run Into the wild Chase sun into the wild See the world just like you did when you were just a child Can we run Into the wild Into the wild Into the wild Into the wild Leave all your possessions Leave behind your clothes Lose your inhibitions You can't wear them where we'll go Jump into the water Feel it in your bones You and I will chase The night into the great unknown Can we run Into the wild Chase the sun into the wild See the world just like you did when you were just a child Can we run into the wild Into the wild Into the wild Into the wild Into the wild Into the wild Into the wild Into the wild Into the wild [applause] DOYLE: One song Glory One song Before I go Glory One song to leave behind Find one song, one last refrain Glory From the pretty boy front man Who wasted opportunity One song, he had the world at his feet Glory In the eyes of a young girl A young girl Find glory Beyond the cheap colored lights One song before the sun sets Glory On another empty life Time flies Time dies Glory One blaze of glory Glory Find Glory In a song that rings true Truth like a blazing fire An eternal flame Find one song A song about love Glory From the soul of a young man A young man Find the one song before the Virus takes hold Glory Like a sunset One song to redeem this empty life Time flies And then, no need to endure anymore Time dies Ooh [applause] CHOIR: Ooh MILCK: I belong CHOIR: Ooh MILCK: I belong here CHOIR: Ooh MILCK: I belong CHOIR: Ooh MILCK: I belong I've been doing the most out of breath Just to show that I deserve to be here, too What I'm growin' to know Is I've always been home There's nothing more For me to prove Oh, I belong Oh, I belong here Oh, I belong Oh, I belong We all got faulty tapes, looping doubts, looping pain Dusty heirlooms We don't need But we got what it takes for the cycle to break Revolution lives in me Oh, I belong Oh, I belong here Oh, I belong Oh, I belong No matter where we go, go, go No matter where we've been before Don't have to feel alone No, no We're all finding our way home We belong We belong to each other No matter where I go, I belong No matter where I've been, I belong here I'm not alone, I belong I'm home.

I'm not alone No matter where I go No matter where I've been, I belong here I'm not alone I'm home I belong I'm home I belong [applause] ZERAGOZA: On a boat from Japan Five stitches in my head To America to meet my Dad Holding on to paper dolls Different food and different talk I wonder if I'll like this new land Holding on to what Mama said to me They may change your name They may change your name To something they can say But you're gonna be okay We arrived One room flat between Columbus and Amsterdam I see other girls, but I don't look like them Papa opens up a store Selling smokes and trinkets from back home, searching for Some form of an American dream Holding on to what Mama said to me They may change your name They may change your name To something they can say But you're gonna be okay They may call you names We'll make it anyway They can't change our ways They may Change your name, but you're the Same to me You're the same to me We'll call you Shirley 'Cause they may change your name They may change your name To something they can say But you're gonna be okay They may call you names We'll make it anyway They can't change our ways They may change your name [applause] JACKSON: The Strand Theater originally opened its doors in 1935 on the historic Marietta Square.

Thanks to the people of Marietta, Georgia, who were collectively determined to save this glorious hall, the doors re-opened for good in 2009, ensuring this piece of America's artistic history can continue to serve and delight for generations to come.

From the stage of the Strand Theater, please welcome Jacob and Chelsea Hamilton, the Atlanta based alternative pop duo, Wendlo.

WENDLO: We're no strangers to love You know the rules and so do I A full commitment's what I'm thinking of You wouldn't get this from any other guy I just wanna tell you how I'm feeling Gotta make you understand Never gonna give you up Never gonna let you down Never gonna run around and desert you Never gonna make you cry Never gonna say goodbye Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you We've known each other for so long Your heart's been aching but you're too shy to say it Inside we both know what's been going on We know the game and we're gonna play it And if you ask me how I'm feeling Don't tell me you're too blind to see Never gonna give you up Never gonna let you down Never gonna run around and desert you Never gonna make you cry Never gonna say goodbye Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you Ooh give you up Never gonna give Give you up Never gonna give Give you up We've known each other for so long Your heart's been aching but you're too shy to say it Inside we both know what's been going on We know the game and we're gonna play it I just wanna tell you how I'm feeling Gotta make you understand Never gonna give you up Never gonna let you down Never gonna run around and desert you Never gonna make you cry Never gonna say goodbye Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you Never gonna give you up Never gonna let you down Never gonna run around and desert you Never gonna make you cry Never gonna say goodbye Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you [applause] GAITN: Soy la hija de la isla Soy hermana de este sol Soy esposa de la arena Amante de un buen son El mar corre entre mis venas Tu historia, mi corazn Mis labios cantan tus penas Mis pies bailan tu dolor I am bolero, sugar, tabaco y ron I am bolero, my song is revolucin I am bolero, sugar, tabaco y ron I am bolero, my song is revolucin I am bolero, singing around the world Son of the islands, Sister of the sun My body is sweet babe, como una fruta It makes you thirsty For a sip of mi buen ron I am the soul in the dancefloor Know you won't dance if I'm not answering your call You keep knocking over my door En la arena mis pies bailan tu dolor I am bolero, sugar, tabaco y ron I am bolero, my song is revolucin I am bolero, sugar, tabaco y ron I am bolero, my song is revolucin Colombia Ah ves lo que soy Soy latina Flow, tabaco y ron Hey, I am bolero, sugar, tabaco y ron I am bolero, my song is revolucin I am bolero, sugar, tabaco y ron I am bolero, my song is revolucin [applause] KALUKANGO: I know why you have come here And I know all your names You really think your faces can hide behind those flames I fed you wet my table Let all run off a bill Is this the thanks you give me How you repay goodwill If you think I'll run away You've got a lot to learn These walls do not define me I said, hey, let it burn Inside this little building It's a rare and special lot, we somehow Found each other and looking what that has brought A place you are afraid of a world you'll never know You can take it in a vast you can burn it down To ash and none of us will grow If you think we'll run away You've got a lot to learn We're stronger than the fire And I say, hey, let it burn Let it burn Let it burn Let it burn Let it burn I know why you come here What you want to erase But I know that our spirit Is bigger than this place Look at what we have created We gave ourselves the voice We were safer separated But love left us no choice And now all I stand alone I stand At the point of no return These walls Do not define me I say Let it burn Let it burn Let it burn [applause] [applause] FLEMING: President Franklin Delano Roosevelt once said, "Art is not a treasure in the past or an importation from another land, but part of the present life of all living and creating peoples."

I hope tonight is demonstrating just that, that no matter who you are or where you live, the arts are something that connect you to people across this great nation.

And it's in this spirit that we head back to Ohio and to the People's Bank Theater for another performance from TV and Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez.

GONZALEZ: When I was just a little girl I asked my mother What will I be Will I be pretty Will I be rich Here's what she said to me Qu ser, ser Whatever will be, will be The future's not ours to see Qu ser, ser When I grew up and fell in love I asked my lover, what lies ahead Will we see rainbows day after day Here's what my sweetheart said Qu ser, ser Whatever will be, will be The future's not ours To see Hey, hey, qu ser Qu ser Now I have a child Of my own She asks her mother What will I be Will be pretty Will I be rich Here's what I say Baby, qu ser, ser Baby, qu ser, ser Oh, whatever will be, will be Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh The future's not ours to see Yeah, yeah, yeah Qu ser, qu ser Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, yeah Qu ser [applause] Thank you.

[applause] [applause] [applause] [applause] GRANT: When peace like a river attendeth my way GRANT: When peace like a river attendeth my way When sorrows like sea billows roll Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say That it is well, it is well with my soul Though Satan, he should buffet and trials, they're gonna come Let this blest assurance control That Christ, he hath regarded our helpless estate And he hath shed His own blood for our souls It is well with my soul It is well with my soul It is well, it is well with my soul It is well, it is well with my soul And Lord, haste the day when my faith, it shall be sight The clouds, they're gonna roll back as a scroll The trump shall resound, and the Lord, he will descend Oh, praise the Lord Praise the Lord Oh, my soul, it is well With my soul, it is well It is well with my soul It is well It is well with my soul It is well with my soul It is well with my soul It is well with my soul [applause] [applause] YOUNG: Mercy Why you gotta show up Looking so good Just to hurt me Why you Wanna stop this whole damn world From turning Mercy Why you hanging on so tight If this ain't working Why you wanna stop this flame if it's still burning 'Cause it's still burning So if you're gonna break my heart, just break it And if you're gonna Take your shot Then take it Take it If you made up your mind Then make it But make this fast If you ever loved me, have mercy If you go out tonight And get drunk and lonely, wind up home Alone, please don't call me And say you miss me, no So if you're gonna break my heart, just break it And if you're gonna take your shot Then take it Take it If you made up your mind, then make it But make this fast If you ever loved me Have mercy Oh, oh, have mercy.

If you're gonna break my heart Just break it And if you're gonna take your shot Then take it, take it Woah, if you're gonna break my heart, just break it And if you're gonna take your shot, then take it Take it If you made up your mind, then make it But make this fast If you ever loved me Oh If you ever loved me, have mercy Oh, have mercy Lord, have mercy Yeah, have mercy [applause] FLEMING: New Year's Eve is a holiday that is celebrated around the world.

And for me, music is a universal language.

Music, dance and all of the arts bring us together in such a powerful way.

To close out our evening, We are ending with an American folk song I sang in the 2020 United in Song, "How can I keep from singing?"

And your eyes are not playing tricks on you.

We had choruses perform this piece in all of the cities we visited this year.

We've woven them together tonight, just for you.

On behalf of PBS and all of our performers tonight, we wish each and every one of you a happy, healthy New Year with every opportunity to enjoy the culture that binds us, and the music we love.

CHOIR: My life goes on In endless song Above Earth's lamentation I hear the real, though far-off hymn That hails a new creation Through all the tumult and the strife I hear that Music ringing It sounds an echo in my soul How can I keep from singing While though the tempest loudly roars I hear the truth, it liveth And though the darkness 'round me close Songs in the night it giveth No storm can shake my inmost calm While to that rock I'm clinging Since love is lord of heaven and earth How can I keep from singing When tyrants tremble in their fear And hear their death knell ringing When friends rejoice both far and near How can I keep from singing?

In prison cell and dungeon vile Our thoughts to them are winging When friends by shame are undefiled How can I keep from singing How can I keep from singing?

How can I keep from singing?

How can I keep from singing?

How can I keep from singing?

[applause] [applause] [applause]