The Music

I’d love to tell you about how I was born with this deep love of music, how I grew up exploring a whole bunch of sounds but I’m going to level with you. I was a pop girl through and through.  Lisa Lisa & the Cult Jam, Whitney, Prince, Madonna…those were my people.  I did sprinkle in some R&B from the local radio station (I would record the Quiet Storm on my jambox at bedtime), but I certainly didn’t get too adventurous. I was always more interested in what was happening on The Jetsons or General Hospital than hearing the latest record.

Even though I didn’t nurture my muscial tastes early on, I still enjoyed my lane.  I stuck to popular music without even realizing there was a whole other world out there. I do remember being around eight and thinking the cover of my moms J.Geils Band Freeze Frame album was very cool. I remember in high school going to my first concert. Janet Jackson. I had the coral blazer with massive shoulder pads and even bigger hair. I had all the words and none of the moves.  I also remember spending my 20’s letting college parties and bars dictate my musical taste (it was a whole lot of 90’s rap). A few drinks and I swear I would hear “Sure girl, get out there and dance..you got this.”

The best moments so far started well into adulthood, mostly due to marrying a man who would not spend another day listening to Paula Abdul. He shared a whole new melody with me. A few highlights:  dancing with my brand new groom to Otis Reddings ‘That’s How Strong My Love Is’, seeing Pearl Jam front row (didn’t know a single word but Eddie didn’t notice and front row is magical), losing my voice as a new and forever fan at an Avett Brothers show, falling completely in love with the Dixie Chicks, a night with Justin Timberlake and my girls, knowing and singing every word to Snoop Dogs ‘Gin and Juice’ at my sisters wedding and belting out Bruno Mars and Elevation Worship songs in the car with my daughter (she has no choice but to love music being that she’s named after the most famous man to ever sing a reggae song).

I’m happy to report that music sits in the very middle of my life now, I don’t go a single day without it. And also know this:

Motown is my absolute favorite. If you are with me and Poison by BBD comes on, prepare to be entertained. I love when a slow song comes on and I get to dance with my husband and embarrass my kids. I just recently joined Apple music (worth every penny)…I’m constantly building my library and one day I will actually run to my run playlist. Don Henley is the best Eagle. You should find a few songs that break your heart wide open, a good cry never hurt anybody. I will never understand The Grateful Dead (apologies to arguably their biggest fan, my Uncle Alan), it just ain’t all for everybody. I know I sound like a tortured bird, but it won’t keep me from singing New Edition songs at the tip top of my lungs. Ben Harper speaks the truth. And I’m thankful for the music Whitney, Michael, Biggie and Prince left behind.

Maybe some of this brought back memories for you and you’ll dust off an old record, find your box of CD’s from the last decade, or add a new artist to your playlist. Maybe you’ll share your favorite music with your kids so they can cringe and beg you to turn it off. Maybe you’ll find a song that kicks you out of your safe place and opens up a new part of your soul.

And just maybe you’ll let the middle aged lady in the SUV be a rockstar, pop princess or rap queen without judging…she needs this moment.

Love.Love.