These are Original songs written by me that appear in my work! To hear the songs, go to my youtube at Louis DeGrado - YouTube

Anna's Art Center!

Calling of the Protectors Series



“Calling out To Me.” Every dreamer has this song in his/her head at one time or another. It’s a constant dilemma: stay home where it’s safe and where you have responsibilities, or charge out to seek glory, adventure and explore the world!  Our main character, Mouse, finds herself facing this dilemma when she sits on the roof of the complex and stares out at the stars and wonders about the larger world around her as she sings this song.
Dedicated to my nephew, Trevor, due to his style. This is a song about "Style!” One of my favorite things to do is put myself in the perspective of characters I create. In this song, I take the persona of one of the alley cats, Dazzle, who writes and performs this song for Mouse.  The message in the song is clear; it’s not about the material things but who you are inside and your actions that count!
 Dedicated to my niece, Riley, “Have a Little Confidence,” is advice we all could use at times. This song is performed by Mouse to Slim and Slouch (two rats) who are always scared when facing obstacles; including the obstacle of accomplishing something worthwhile.

Dedicated to my nephew, Tristan, “Dandee’s Cowboy Song!” Since I decided to take this story into the country, I decided I needed a country character. This character shows up as a farm-dog named Dandee. He sings this song to a group of animals in the barn including Mouse and her friends. Like all country songs, it’s really a story about how Dandee lived in the city and now prefers the country life.

 Dedicated to those in search of the true path. "One Path.” This song is one I wrote outside of just being inspired by the book I was writing. I decided to use it in a scene where Mouse is trying to convince that animals who are locked in a control facility to take a chance and escape with her. Performed by Mouse, it’s another inspirational song that inspires confidence and believing in yourself.

“Respect, Responsibility!” Performed by Wilber, the head of the rats. A pasta-loving rat, Wilber believes in the values of family, hard work, and respect. He allies with Mouse in the first book to rid the apartment and sewers of hoodlum rats. In the second story, life is but the same: he is in charge and at the top and it’s not an easy thing in a world lacking these two qualities. He sings the song to Mouse’s father, Chief, when Chief visits him at his lair.

 "Turn it Around," dedicated to my niece Hanna without the H at the end, is a song performed by Ladie, a yellow canary, who has become a trusted friend to Mouse; she always finds a way to inspire Mouse when she is down. In this scene, Mouse is trying to find a way to deal with a difficult situation and can't find the right answer so she is feeling down. All of us may incur this situation many times. Well, it's up to us to turn it around!



“They Call Me Streets.” Streets is a rat that lives out on the street and knows what is going on in the town. He has no alliances and is useful in helping when needed. I introduced this fascinating character in the first story but wanted to give him more of a presence in the second book including this great song that just flows as he sings it. It’s a fun song to match a fun character!

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“Free Spirit.” This song is performed by Slouch, one of the two rats who desire to be free of a life of rules and chores. After getting in trouble and assigned to do chores, he sings this song to Slim and tries to convince him that their destiny lies elsewhere.

THE LEGEND OF CHIEF SONGS!

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“Be Bold and Strong and TRUE!”  “Everyone has a choice, when they have a fall, do you stay down, or stand up strong and TALL!”  These are some of the words that resonate from the song. From "The Legend of Chief," "Proud of You" is a song I originally wrote for my daughter and then incorporated into the story. When Mouse is down and out and wondering what her father would think, Ladie, the melodious canary, sings this song to her.
From "The Legend of Chief," "Ladies Song of Courage"
This is the third song from "The Calling of the Protectors." 
 I called it "Ladies Song of Courage." It was one of the first I put to music. In the scene where the song is performed, Mouse is encouraged by Ladie, the canary, to stand up to the bully, Bragar. 
"Round up your courage, it's time to make a stand!"

From "The Legend of Chief," This fun song is by Slim and Slouch; two rats whose ideal day is doing and accomplishing nothing! Their philosophy is never try, never fail.  If they can, they would prefer to have no responsibilities!
From "The Legend of Chief," this is one of two songs I wrote with my daughter in mind. It is performed by the lead character, Mouse-a small, fluffy cat who is trying to find her way in her father's big world. The resonating verse is as follows: "Amazing, Extraordinary, that's what you are, Joyful, inspiring, a bright shining Star!"
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The Imagination Song!
From "The Legend of Chief" One of my favorites!! This second song from the story is sung by Carl; he is an escaped Cockatoo that hangs out with the pigeon brigade. He is a Sargent Major in the corps.  Carl is Ladie's friend and meets Mouse while visiting Ladie. 
The song itself was inspired by a trip to Pueblo West Elementary School. I was invited to speak to students there and was trying to come up with a catch phrase or speech.  Einstein's formula, e=mc2  came to mind as it's so catchy.

I created my own formula about the power of Imagination.  The power of Imagination is like the power of "the force" in Star Wars. It can be used to overcome many obstacles and we find this quality in the most genius of minds.  Another quality of success is Perseverance. So the formula ended up coming out:
Success=Imagination x Perseverance squared!
It's a Splendid Combination you can use in any situation!!!

Another Song by the alley cats, Dazzle sings this song to Mouse when she is confused about being different. Dazzle's advice is that to find your own groove (own way) and don't worry about being the same as everyone else.
From, "The Legend of Chief," this song is performed by Ladie when she and Mouse first meet. Mouse's father, Chief, has informed her that cats and birds are not friends because cats are the predators and protectors. However, Mouse's curiosity gets the best of her. Ladie suggests that, despite their differences, they can be friends.
From "The Legend of Chief," The Alley Cat song is performed by a duo of two jazz-loving alley cats; Dazzle, who sings and dances, and Scratch who plays the guitar. This has become an audience favorite due to the catchy tune!