SONG LORE · MUSIC HISTORY · STORIES BEHIND THE SONGS
Every Song Has a Story.
Song Lore is the flagship channel for discovering the stories behind familiar music.
Find out where songs came from, who created them, how history and culture shaped them, and why they still matter. Then branch out into sacred performances, Broadway, choir coaching, writing lessons, and the podcast archive.
FLAGSHIP YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Song Lore
Every familiar song has a backstory. Song Lore explores where songs came from, who created them, the history and culture around them, how they changed, and why they still matter—from hymns and carols to patriotic standards and songs for everyday life.
It is also the natural video companion to several of my music-history books and listening journeys.
More channels to explore.
After Song Lore, choose the corner of music and creativity that fits what you want next.
Michael D. Young — Sacred Music
Hymns, seasonal selections, original sacred songs, and faith-centered performances, including music connected to the Holy Week and Advent projects.
Michael Young on Broadway
Broadway songs, performance videos, musical-theater history, and quizzes for theater fans.
Ward Choir Coach
Practical rehearsal strategies, healthy singing, blend, balance, diction, and musicality for volunteer church choirs.
Learn and create.
Fiction Fundamentals
Clear, practical fiction-writing lessons for middle school and high school writers who want to tell better stories.
German for the Mission Field
Religious German and mission-specific language help for Latter-day Saint missionaries serving in German-speaking areas.
PODCAST ARCHIVE
Stories and reflections made for listening.
The Carols of Christmas · carol history + performances
Each day leading up to Christmas, hear the history behind a beloved carol and a verse of the song. The project later became An Advent Carols Countdown, with a 24-day companion video journey.
Recognized by Feedspot as a top Christmas music podcast.
Chapter and Verse · scripture reflections in poetry
One chapter, one verse: a chapter-by-chapter poetic reflection on the Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants.
Songs for All Seasons · the history behind familiar songs
Stories behind songs for celebration, gratitude, anticipation, and everyday life—from “Happy Birthday” to “O Danny Boy.”
Sunday Night Light · a short weekly devotional
A single General Conference quote, scriptures, insights, and stories to begin the week with a little more light.
Hear me on other shows
- Everyday Saints — life inside the Tabernacle Choir
- Everyday Excellence — simple consistency is key
- His Hand in All Things
- Say What Is Truth?
- Mental Illness and Me
- Latter-day Lives