By Kathy Miller

Local artist and entertainer Karen Mary Becker gives back to her community by “Give a Gift of Song.” Karen Mary, upon request, will visit a loved one, neighbor or friend and sing a song, free of charge. She wants to share her gift from God by spreading joy to those who need it. If you would like to have Karen Mary sing for someone you love, contact her at 636-542-2317 or krnmary52@gmail.
Karen Mary has been entertaining most of her life. Sadly, she was forced to stop singing because of her first husband’s abuse. He was extremely controlling and didn’t allow her to perform.

Years later and in happier times, her singing days returned. She moved to the New Melle area and met and married local farmer Bruce Becker. He gave her the support and encouragement she needed to begin entertaining again when she was ready. She sang karaoke using props and costumes and performed shows free of charge for Friends of Kids with Cancer.

She auditioned for three TV shows and even made it through 4 rounds on the X Factor. She sang the National Anthem before a Little River Band concert and performed on the album I Believe in Angels, which sold over 9000 copies. Eventually, she started a non-profit and raised money to put karaoke machines, cordless microphones and props in hospitals and the Emmaus Home, and in schools used as a reading tool.

Research has shown that music can help people cope with stress and distract someone from a bad mood. It can give you chills and thrills; it can trigger memories and allow you to express your emotions. Happy upbeat music causes the brain to produce chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which evoke feelings of joy. It is shown that listening to or making music increases blood flow to brain regions that generate and control emotions.

Karen Mary has experienced these reactions when performing first-hand. She has made people cry tears of joy who have never cried. Someone who hadn’t spoken in years sang along with her to Elvis’ Crazy. Karen Mary realized that some kids could read the words more easily if they sang them instead of reading them. These reactions are what drive Karen Mary to share her gift of music.

Her life has had its ups and downs, but she is here today, and she thanks God for that. Karen Mary now spends her time volunteering, snow skiing when she can, and singing!