Cue(sic) the Music!

Music is a powerful substance. It creates new beginnings, helps the present move on, and can affect someone's future. I can directly relate this to a story from a small ensemble of band members that went to a small nursing home. This small group from Troy High played some old tunes that the elderly population of the home would recognize. What this small group of players did not realize was that after the small performance, an elderly man who had not spoke for years had started to sing along to the tunes produced by the ensemble. 
In Song of Solomon, song is used by the characters. In one instance of singing, the reader sees, "Sugarman done fly away" and helps to see a theme with flight and freedom. Mr. Smith "flies" off "No Mercy Hospital" and gains freedom from his depressing life. The music itself may not be powerful in itself to Mr. Smith, but the song conveys a meaning that is the bigger picture of the novel: that flight is representative of freedom. This strong message delivered at the beginning of the novel is powerful, much like music today. 
Even in the general public, we can see the power of music on people. Today's big influence can be seen in Logic's song, "1-800-273-8255." Logic states, " I wasn’t even trying to save your life. Now what can happened if I actually did?" The National Suicide Hotline has seen a 27% increase in calls since the powerful music came and changed lives; further enhancing music's credibility to change lives forever.