Every year we have one Music & the Spoken Word episode that features the BYU Singers. And today's episode just happened to be THAT episode. As is always the case, the Singers did a beautiful job not only singing with the Tabernacle Choir, but singing their two solo pieces as well. I was commenting to a friend during the break that the Singers look so young. Sometimes I get into this mindset that if I went back to a college campus, I'd fit right in still! But the truth is, I wouldn't. Some say I look younger than I really am, but I'm definitely not that young.
Favorite song on the program today? "Thou Gracious God, Whose Mercy Lends". It's beautiful. And as one YouTube commentator said, "It just gives me goosebumps".
Also today, the Choir and Orchestra was introduced to the new Music & the Spoken Word host, replacing Lloyd Newell after 34 years. The new host is Derrick Porter. There were numerous articles published this past week talking about Derrick, but unfortunately, the only things said about him were summed up in this sentence: "Porter, 42, resides in Bountiful, Utah. He and his wife, Rebecca, are the parents of six children. He currently serves as a bishop in his local congregation." (Church of Jesus Christ Newsroom, 3/22/24)
Job? Hobbies? Passions? Other life experiences? How did Derrick get onto the selection radar? What makes him tick?
There was none of that mentioned, but a little internet research discovered that Derrick is actually the CEO of Beauty Industry Group. The description of this group per LinkedIn is as such: "Beauty Industry Group (BIG) is a holding company that owns and operates businesses uniquely poised for success within the beauty industry. BIG has developed a multi-channel, multi-brand strategy operating a multitude of brands with locations in 6 countries selling to more than 100,000 consumers and stylists."
Also, this notable achievement: "Ernst & Young (EY) has named Derrick Porter, CEO of Beauty Industry Group (BIG), Entrepreneur of The Year® 2020 Award in the Utah region. The coveted award, which was granted at a virtual celebration on October 2, honors entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies who are excelling in areas including innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities, while also transforming our world. Porter was selected by a panel of independent judges." (PR Newswire, 10/21/20)
Anyway, I'm not entirely sure what qualifies him to be an executive producer, principal writer, and presenter for the MSW program, but we all warmly welcomed him and his wife today as they spent just a few minutes introducing themselves and sharing their excitement for this opportunity. I'm sure he'll be great.
That's about it for today. A shout out to my buddy Wes who has been sick the past couple of days and therefore couldn't join us for today's festivities. Get well soon, friend!
Until next time, God be with you.
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