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(Sample) Week #19 Ella Fitzgerald/Louis Armstrong Cover Songs

Author

Lisa Peterson
May 03, 2026

Week #19

Ella Fitzgerald/Louis Armstrong Cover Songs

This is week 19 of the year and we will be celebrating Ella Fitzgerald/Louis Armstrong Cover Songs, by delving into the songs and applying concepts to create more joy and connection during caregiving routines with music.

The songs are:

  • Alexander’s Ragtime Band

  • Always

  • My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean

  • The Old Rugged Cross

  • When the Saints Go Marching In

  • Down By the Riverside

  • Just a Closer Walk With Me

  • Rock-A My Soul

  • Swing Low, Sweet Chariot

  • This Train

  • We Shall Overcome

SING ALONG

Featured Song

JUST A CLOSER WALK WITH THEE

“Just a Closer Walk With Thee” is s an African American spiritual song that originated in the southern United States in the 1800s, and may predate the Civil War. The song is frequently featured in traditional jazz funerals in New Orleans.

  • Is this melody familiar to you?

  • Are the words familiar?

  • Did you find yourself humming along?

  • How did it affect you? Did your awareness change? Your breath? Your focus? Your mood?

  • Would you feel comfortable playing this in the background and allow yourself to hum or sing along? By yourself and/or with the one(s) you care for?

Just a Closer Walk With Thee Here is EllA Fitzgerald’s version. I hope you enjoy it!

Creative Ideas

HOW TO USE THE MUSIC

  • Try humming or singing along with the provided recording, or one of your choosing for increased feeling of ______.

  • Listen to a recording to create a shared experience.

  • Listen while engaged in daily routines, to add a feeling of familiarity and comfort (if the song is known and loved)

  • Try reminiscing with the song history, or singers of the song. Look at pictures famous singers who performed the song.

SELF-CARE TIPS

Using Humor and Laughing

Humor is a Sanity Saver! Laughter can help decrease stress and relieve tension. Finding what makes you laugh can be a way to stay connected to yourself (and the person you care for), during all of your caregiving responsibilities. Try this short laughter exercise that helps you to laugh, even when you can't find your laughter on your own.

If you decide to give more laughter and humor a try, share your story with us at: [email protected]

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