Jewish Influence in American Music

 

Wagner College’s Chai Society Jewish Culture Series, featured Dr. Ben Morss, Assistant Professor of Music at Concordia College on Monday, April 10. The lecture centered on a discussion of Jewish influence in American popular music.

Dr. Morss’ received his doctorate in composition.  He was music director for “I Love My Wife” at the Helen Hayes Theatre in Nyack, and on staff at the Queens Theatre in the Park Morss. He also wrote the music for “Pop Star,” a musical for teenagers published by Samuel French, and is writing a children's piece for the Vital Theater's 2006 season. 

Dr. Morss thrilled the audience by playing piano and speaking of his experiences as arranger for the college rock circuit favorites, “Cake.” He also told the audience of his experience in creating a “beat” (digital musical loop) for the new album by R&B singer, Mary J. Blige.

The audience was most appreciative of Dr. Morss’ musical instruction on the keyboard and his comparisons of Jewish music to other genres. “Dr. Morss illuminated how socio-economic and cultural variables can uniquely combine in America to inspire innovative and lasting cultural contributions,” said Rabbi Abraham Unger, Scholar in Residence at Wagner.

Dr. Morss' former rock band, “The Pilgrims,” was on the charts of college radio stations nationwide and his playing was featured in the films, “Sidewalks of New York” and “L.I.E.” He is a member of the BMI Musical Theatre Workshop.

His new crossover group, “The Infinite Orchestra,” has been playing sold-out performances around Manhattan at venues such as the Knitting Factory, Sin-E, and the Cutting Room.