In recent years, a cappella music has become a popular form of musical entertainment as both solo artists and groups have adapted the style for creating their masterful renditions of familiar songs. A cappella music is unique because its arrangements are performed using only the human voice for both singing and instrumental accompaniments. Ben Folds, an American singer-songwriter and record producer, has said, “With the a cappella group, every voice is like one string on a guitar, one note on the piano, or one cymbal, and you don’t have the luxury of falling back on anything.”

This week’s “Video Find of the Week” features the amazing vocal talents of Jared Halley and his impressive Billy Joel medley which is a 19-song a cappella mashup. The songs included are “Uptown Girl,” “You May Be Right,” “The Longest Time,” “It’s Still Rock ‘n Roll To Me,” “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” “New York State of Mind,” “Just the Way You Are,” “My Life,” “Only the Good Die Young,” “The River of Dreams,” “Big Shot,” “Honesty,” “She’s Always a Woman,” “Scenes From An Italian Restaurant,” “She’s Got A Way,” “Lullabye,” “Tell Her About It,” “Movin’ Out,” and “Piano Man.” As people listen to the songs, they are sure to find several of their personal favorites that will want to sing along with as they snap their fingers to the beat.

The medley that Jared has created is inspiring, upbeat, and uplifting. It is guaranteed to turn any frowning face into a glowing smile as the listener recalls hearing the popular tunes on their favorite radio stations or coming from their preferred source of music. Billy Joel himself has said, “If you make music for the human needs you have within yourself, then you do it for all humans who need the same things. You enrich humanity with the expound expression of these feelings.” And he also said, “I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.”