I love participating in Slice of Life, started by Two Writing Teachers and writing a story, reflection, or musing at least once a week.
This is a thank you to my Mom and Dad...
Two back-to-back music experiences in Cincinnati the last couple weeks made me think about my childhood music memories: a John Mellencamp concert at the Aronoff Center, opened by Carlene Carter, and the "Ring of Fire" musical at Playhouse in the Park. It's interesting that, unbeknownst to me when we bought tickets, they would be related. It just so happens that Carlene Carter is the late June Carter's daughter from her first marriage. June Carter, of course, married Johnny Cash.
During both performances, I had a moment in which I teared up. I loved John Mellecamp, and I loved that I got to hear iconic songs of my teenage years like "Jack and Diane" and "Small Town" live (he sounded awesome). However, it was Carlene Carter's pure country voice that I was moved by, and Johnny Cash's music that sent chills up and down. I grew up on that kind of music. My parents weren't musicians (well, my dad has a beautiful voice - just ask him to sing "Old Shep" - I dare you not to cry), but they had a love for folk and country music that was so contagious it became part of me, too.
I think they still have some of the albums stored away that were near and dear to my heart. I wish I could take photos of them, but I have to rely on online pictures instead.
Hours and hours were spent listening to this type of music (Elvis might seem like it doesn't fit the country/folk genre, but my dad was a huge fan of his early songs). I know not all kids love their parents' music, but I sure did, and it still influences my choices today. I strayed from it during my teens and listened to plenty of Van Halen, Prince, ACDC, contemporary country, and pop, but it was that early music that makes me nostalgic for pure talent and songs that tell stories. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for that! And for old times' sake...
Holly, this is really interesting reading! Maybe I need to think back how I was influenced by music....little different as I did not grow up in US, but it would still be interesting. "Blowing in the wind" is one song that even I recognized:)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea to connect music and memories. Love that you shared this with us. Thanks for the links and musical treats. Excited to reflect on this conversation with others.
ReplyDeletePeter, Paul, and Mary - they were so special. Music is woven into our memories, if we are lucky.
ReplyDeleteI loved listening and reminiscing too. My parents were into P,P, and M and we listened endlessly to Simon and Garfunkel. I think maybe I need to weave some music into my WIP. Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI'm old enough that I also grew up with WWII parents and Frank Sinatra, etc., then came Elvis, etc. My husband loved rock & folk music (he managed rock radio stations so we saw many of the greats in concert), but there are some here that would make me tear up, too, Holly. I loved "hearing" your slice.
ReplyDeleteI see lots of familiar album covers here, Holly! So many fond memories of this music. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLoved reading about your music favorites and how your parents shared mucks with you. I watched the movie about Johnny and June Carter. She sang so well with him but she had to put up with too much...I think music was a blessing and a curse for both of them...they wrote great tunes. My hubby loves music and we have tons of it around our house (many genres and forms-records, tapes, CDs) And now at age forty something he's going to learn bass guitar!
ReplyDeleteIt's fun to thin about our musical roots!