Turks and Caicos Islands: Beautiful by Nature
Joe Zahm and Leo Jones’ Song a Hit for the Spririt of the Islands
It was a song in the early 1990’s that became a national smash hit.
Today the song is just as beloved but the voices have changed.
“Beautiful by Nature” was written and recorded on Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands in 1994, but it’s being re-introduced through the voices of children in an internet video that has the potential to reach a much bigger audience.
When video director Donna Davies heard the voices of children in the original recording she thought it would be a great idea to have children sing the song. “Beautiful by Nature” was released in March 2015 as a promotional video on YouTube featuring the choir of Clement Howell High School on Providenciales.
Students not only had the opportunity to develop their musical performing abilities but they also had a chance to promote their country and celebrate national pride.
Watch the Children Perform
Jermaine Reid, a music teacher who was interviewed for the video below and who was involved in the project quickly saw his students’ commitment in the way they gave “their best not only for their school but for their country as well.”
A Song From Everyman for Everyone
The song is a celebration of the islands; it was written by Joe Zahm and Leo Jones. Zahm had moved from Colorado in 1989 to the islands. He heard Jones perform one evening and was so taken with what he heard he decided to share some lyrics he’d written with Jones.
Jones and other musicians came up with the music. This would be the start of a lengthy collaboration and a band called Everyman. Successful record sales and performances followed but eventually the project came to a close and band members went their separate ways. The song maybe hadn’t become a global sensation, but it was still played and held in high regard throughout the islands.
Listen to Beautiful by Nature in its entirety:
Sometimes though projects get a second launch, and in 2014, a special anniversary double CD of Everyman was released. The song “Beautiful by Nature” was featured among the tracks. Subsequently, a concert was held on March 27 and 28 of 2015 re-uniting Leo Jones, the original lead singer and writer of “Beautiful by Nature”, and Joe Zahm, the producer of the song and the leader of the Joe Zahm Band.
A song that has meant so much to islanders has been given the chance to win hearts again, only this time, to listeners around the world.
Twenty years ago a song was born in the Turks and Caicos Islands and ignited the flame of national pride. Today the words of the song still ring out as a motto that captures the essence of the islands and invite you to come visit and see the beauty of nature for yourself.
About Villa del Mar
A charming resort located across the street from Grace Bay Beach, Villa del Mar offers fully equipped suites featuring full kitchens, spacious bedrooms and high-end furnishings within 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom and penthouse suites. The oversized studio units offer kitchenettes. All units offer poolside walkout or large balcony seating areas overlooking manicured gardens and 2 pools. Complimentary breakfast and premier beach services are offered at Villa del Mar, with staff providing personalized, friendly service.
Villa del Mar Resort is offering a promotion from May 1 to December 1, 2016 that gives guests the opportunity to book their fourth night at no charge. The promotion means a significant rate saving, but when added to the already remarkable value of this accommodation, equals an opportunity any traveller will want to take advantage of in 2016. This Turks and Caicos hotel special is cumulative meaning that guests who book 6 nights at the resort receive a total of 8 nights accommodation. And so on…
Learn More
https://www.timespub.tc/2014/03/rock-and-roll-refugess/
https://www.joezahm.com/
