ABSTRACT
Vernacular memorials and the media operate in a kind of feedback loop. The consumption of media coverage of disastrous events produces mourners through vicarious suffering who then seek to express their grief in some way. The history of English-language disaster songs has always been closely allied with the news media, given that many of the earliest disaster songs functioned as news stories. Broadcast and social media circulate disaster songs, helping them to reach a wide audience. The constant stream of media coverage of tragedies – including musical events and songs related to those tragedies – means that audiences are continually exposed to the idea that musical responses to disasters are suitable and perhaps even desirable. In addition to illustrating appropriate musical responses to disasters and inspiring disaster song creation, the media also helps circulate disaster songs once created.
