In the vibrant 70-year history of the Watsonairs, one remarkable individual truly stands out for her incredible dedication—Gladys Strom!
Gladys Strom
Taking the reins from founder Kathleen Watson in 1964, Gladys brilliantly transitioned from choir member to choir director, leading this three-part women's choir for an astounding 42 years, making her the longest-serving director in its history.
This indomitable woman led the Watsonairs in memorable concerts in Prince Albert and the surrounding area. Enjoy a walk down the Watsonair musical memory lane with the following photos:
Gladys Strom’s last performance was in 2005. The Watsonairs honoured her retirement with a final concert.
After her well-deserved retirement in 2005, her legacy continued to inspire as a Prince Albert Musical Festival bursary was established in 2006 in her honor, supporting local students in their musical journeys. The Gladys Strom Memorial Bursary is open to local students to assist with the costs of their music education (lessons, music camp, courses etc.).We invite you to attend the Watsonairs 70th concert celebration at St. Joseph Catholic Church, May 3rd, at 2:00 p.m. to find out this year's winner of the Gladys Strom Memorial Bursary.
The evolution of music over the last 60 plus years has been exciting and the 2020s continue to showcase a rich musical landscape full of surprises!Mainstream Music’s Bold New DirectionsMainstream music in the 2020s is marked by a blend of genres and a willingness to experiment. Pop, hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music often merge, creating tracks that feel fresh and unpredictable. Artists like Billie Eilish and The Weeknd have pushed boundaries with unique vocal styles and atmospheric production. Their success shows how audiences crave originality and emotional depth.
Streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and TikTok have reshaped how people discover and listen to music. Playlists and algorithm-driven recommendations expose listeners to diverse sounds quickly. TikTok, in particular, has become a powerful force in breaking new artists and songs through viral short videos.
Country Music’s Modern Twist
Country music continues to evolve beyond its traditional roots, incorporating elements from pop, rock,
Luke Combs This photo by unknown author is licensed under CC
and even hip-hop. Artists like Shaboozey and Beyonce are mixing country, rap, hip-hop and pop into an exciting new sound which is dominating playlists. This fusion has attracted younger audiences while keeping longtime fans interested. Artists like Kacey Musgraves and Luke Combs blend storytelling with catchy melodies and modern beats, making country music feel relevant today.
The Rise of Genre Blending
One of the most noticeable features of 2020s music is the breakdown of traditional genre boundaries. Artists mix styles like pop, hip-hop, electronic, and indie in ways that feel fresh and unpredictable. For example, Lil Nas X’s "Old Town Road" combined country and rap, becoming a global hit and showing how fluid genres have become. This blending allows musicians to reach wider audiences and express themselves without limits.
Collaborations and Crossovers One of the most exciting trends is the increase in collaborations between mainstream and country artists. These partnerships blend different styles and fan bases, resulting in fresh sounds and wider appeal. For example, the collaboration between pop star Justin Bieber and country singer Dan + Shay on “10,000 Hours” brought together two distinct audiences and topped charts.
Such crossovers highlight how music genres are less rigid, encouraging creativity and connection across styles.The Influence of Global Sounds
Bad Bunny This photo by unknown author is licensed under CC BY
Global music influences have become more prominent in mainstream music. Afrobeat, Latin pop, K-pop, and other international genres have gained widespread popularity. Collaborations across cultures are common, enriching the music scene with new rhythms and languages. BTS, a South Korean group, has achieved massive global success, showing how music transcends borders in the 2020s.What This Means for Listeners
For fans, the 2020s offer a rich musical landscape full of surprises. Whether you prefer the catchy hooks of mainstream hits or the heartfelt storytelling of country songs, there is something new to discover. The blending of genres and themes means music feels more personal and reflective of today’s world.
Listeners can expect more boundary-pushing releases and collaborations that challenge expectations. This decade promises to keep music lovers engaged with fresh sounds and meaningful lyrics.
Which of the notable songs from the 2020s do you recognize:
Old Town Road by Lil Nas X
10,000 Hours by Justin Bieber and Dan + Shay
Flowers by Miley CyrusA Bar Song (Tipsy) By Shaboozey
I Hope by Gabby Barrett Birds of a Feather by Billie EilishMore Than My Hometown by Morgan Wallen
The 2010s brought a dynamic mix of music that shaped the decade’s concert scene. From mainstream pop anthems to heartfelt country ballads, this era produced songs and bands that filled arenas and festival grounds worldwide. Whether you were drawn to catchy hooks or storytelling through music, the 2010s offered unforgettable performances and hits.
Mainstream Hits That Defined the Decade
Pop and rock dominated the charts with artists who became household names. Bands like Imagine Dragons and Maroon 5 consistently delivered hits that energized crowds. Imagine Dragons’ “Radioactive” combined alternative rock with electronic elements, creating a sound that was fresh and powerful on stage. Maroon 5’s “Moves Like Jagger” became a dancefloor staple, blending pop with funk influences.
Adele This photo by unknown author is licensed underCC BY-NC
Solo artists also left their mark. Adele’s soulful voice in songs like “Rolling in the Deep” brought emotional depth to mainstream music, while Bruno Mars energized audiences with upbeat tracks such as “Uptown Funk.” These songs are not just radio hits, they became concert anthems.
Country Music’s Rise in Popularity
Country music saw a surge in popularity during the 2010s, crossing over into
Luke Bryan This photo by unknown author is licensed under CC BY-SA
mainstream charts. Artists like Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood brought country storytelling to larger audiences. Luke Bryan’s “Country Girl (Shake It for Me)” combined traditional country themes with a party vibe, making it a concert favorite. Carrie Underwood’s powerful vocals in “Blown Away” showcased the emotional range country music could offer.
Festival Culture and Live Performances
The 2010s saw the rise of music festivals as key venues for experiencing live music. Events like Coachella and Stagecoach became cultural landmarks. These festivals allowed fans to see multiple bands and genres in one place, creating a shared experience around the decade’s biggest hits.
Live performances often featured elaborate stage designs and lighting, enhancing the connection between artists and their audiences. Bands like Coldplay used vibrant visuals during songs like “Paradise,” while country stars brought storytelling to life with intimate acoustic sets.The Lasting Impact of 2010s Music
The songs and bands of the 2010s continue to influence today's music scene. Many artists from this decade have evolved and still perform their classic hits, keeping the spirit of the 2010s alive in concerts worldwide. The blend of mainstream and country music created a diverse soundscape that appealed to a wide range of listeners and continue to resonate today.
Which of the notable songs from the 2010s do you recognize:
Hello by Adele
Need You Now by Lady Antebellum
I Gotta Feeling by The Black Eyed Peas
Stuck Like Glue by Sugarland
Haven’t Met You Yet by Michael Bublé
What’s My Name? by Rihanna featuring Drake
Party in the U.S.A. by Miley Cyrus
Consider Me Gone by Reba
Somebody That I Used to Know by Gotye featuring Kimbra
