Last year, I joined the wonderful women from Is This Mutton, MK’s Adventures in Style, Deb’s World, Grownup Glamour, and Frugal Fashion Shopper for a global writing challenge. Later, Suzy from The Grey Brunette, Sue from Living Well after 50, and I joined in on the fun permanently! MK is quite busy with life this month so she won’t be joining us. Suzy decided upon this month’s prompt, and I can’t wait to see how music has influenced everyone’s lives! I haven’t been disappointed yet! I hope you’ll visit all of these blogs because you are going to be amazed at, not only the diversity of the ideas, but the stories of each person. There’s also a link party at the end of this post!
If you want to participate…
I borrowed this listing from Deb as she’d already done the work (thanks, Debbie)! If you’d like to join in, we post on the third Thursday of the month. You can link up with me or with Gail, Sue, or Debbie.
- June: Beauty (Marsha)
- July: Blogging (Debbie)
- August: Holidays/Vacations (MK)
- September: Favourite Things (Jill)
- October: Schooldays (Penny)
- November: Confidence (Gail)
- December: My Year in Review (Sue)
A little history (really just a little)…
I love music! When I was teaching, we had to take multiple intelligences tests. My strongest intelligence was music which is ironic because I cannot sing a cappella to save myself! My students would practically beg me not to sing! I’m a good singer if I’m singing with someone else…just want to put that out there! But, I find music to be the best thing to create a memory, keep me company, and boost my mood. As corny as it sounds, music satisfies my soul in ways none of my other intelligences or senses can. Grab your favorite beverage and settle in. This is a long one!
Musical influences…
When I was growing up, it was AM radio. FM stations were small and had even smaller audiences. I don’t know what happened to change that. We listened to WOWO, a very well-known AM radio station whose broadcasts could sometimes be heard hundreds of miles away. You could hear music, news, and, most importantly, to many people in the area where I grew up, the farm reports! As far as music, we listed to Johnny Rivers, Brenda Lee, Paul Anka, and Ricky Nelson. I sorta suspect Mom had a wee bit of a crush on Ricky Nelson!
A little more…
Mom saved her money and bought a huge stereo console. Do you remember those? They weren’t just record players; they were furniture! I think that’s what really started me on my musical journey! She started with albums by Tom Jones, Engelbert Humperdinck, and Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass. When she was feeling nostalgic, she’d play Dean Martin or Frank Sinatra. When she was feeling spicy, she’d play Elvis Presley! My dad bought some classical albums like Rachmaninoff, Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. I don’t think even he ever listened to them! The first album I ever bought was “Sweet Baby James” by James Taylor. In fact, that song was featured on Songful Style here. My son has the album now, and I borrowed it from him for the photos.
Even more..
Mom was really resistant to rock and roll. I don’t think she accepted it until it appeared on WOWO! That was the “get out of jail free” card to her. But, I was lost the first time I heard the Beatles sing. From that point on, it was all rock and roll for me. No more crooners, no more Big Band Sound. It was guitars, drum beats, and a harmonica or two. One of my big regrets in life is never seeing the Beatles. They were in Indianapolis in 1964. I was seven. Womp, womp. But, I have been to two Paul McCartney concerts which is sorta close.
Still more…
Eventually, AM radio lost its fight with FM radio. I received or confiscated a tape recorder/radio. I would spend hours waiting for a certain song to be played. I’d hurry up and push the buttons to record and add another favorite to my tape. Nothing was more irritating than when the DJ talked over the beginning or end of the song! I used my babysitting money to buy tape cassettes!
Getting there…
Rock evolved, and I grew to love Jim Croce, Gordon Lightfoot, and James Taylor, a more folksy kind of rock. During that time, I also discovered Creedence Clearwater Revival, Three Dog Night, Bad Company, ELO, Grand Funk Railroad, and The Moody Blues. I guess I definitely was into that folksy rock sound at the time.
But, not yet…
Then, I met Nigel. He introduced me to the Detroit sound…The Temptations, Earth, Wind, & Fire, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Aretha Franklin, and Stevie Wonder. Our song, “I’m Gonna Love You Just a Little More Baby, is by Barry White. Pink Floyd was another band Nigel liked! Oh, my stars and garters! “The Wall,” “Dark Side of the Moon,” “Wish You Were Here” were so different from anything I’d ever listened to before. I loved the orchestral music as well as the psychedelic vibe their music gave off. At this point, I think I’m a bigger fan than he is!
Nope, still going…
The big hair bands…oh, I love a guy with long hair…always have, always will! Bon Jovi, Mötley Crüe, Whitesnake, Twisted Sister, Def Leppard, and Poison! I wasn’t always a big fan of their music, but these bands put on great shows! The one sound I wasn’t really into at the time was heavy metal. I know some of the bands I listed above verged on that vibe, but I forgave them since they had the hair! Remember the latex pants…Rod Stewart, Mick Jagger, and Steven Tyler…they could rock those skinny pants!
More…
I can’t write a post about music without mentioning Queen. I remember hearing “Bohemian Rhapsody” for the first time and being completely mesmerized. Was it rock? Was it pop? Was it opera? Did it matter? Freddie Mercury’s voice was and will always be amazing and truly awe inspiring. I loved the music of the 70s and 80s.
The women…
Let’s talk the ladies of rock, shall we? While she could tear up a stage with those legs, Tina Turner’s vocals were legendary. Another female singer with some rockin’ vocals was Janis Joplin. No one, and I mean no one, sings “Me and Bobby McGee” like Janis. I have to give some R.E.S.P.E.C.T to Aretha Franklin. Oh, then there was Carole King. “Tapestry” was such a beautiful album. I can’t remember if I had the album or not. It was one of the first CDs Nigel and I ever bought, though. We still have it somewhere, I think. Janis Ian broke my heart with her painful story of teen angst, and her voice was the perfect counterpoint to the song. Ann and Nancy Wilson were the soundtrack of my high school years.
More of the women…
As we moved through the 70s and into the 80s, the women of rock introduced Debbie Harry, Patti Smith, and Chrissie Hynde to the world. I remember the very first time I watched Annie Lennox sing “Sweet Dreams.” It was in the middle of the night as I was feeding one of my babies. Her voice is magic. I can’t leave out Joan Jett or Pat Benatar as well as Stevie Nicks or Bonnie Raitt. And, of course, if we’re talking women of rock, I have to include Madonna. When I first watched her on MTV, she sang “Holiday.” Who would have ever thought this woman with grungy hair and rubber bracelets would still be going strong in 2024? I have a feeling she did!
Still more women…
Then, came the women who reshaped rock and roll. Katy Perry introduced us to fun videos and the California Gurls. Pink showed us powerful women could be mothers and rockstars! Lady Gaga created a whole new look, it seems, every time she went out into the world. And, along with that look would usually come a new song. I can’t leave Beyonce out of this list, either. She is a powerhouse branding machine with this amazing voice.
Finishing up…
As I said, I love music. I still love rock and roll but have learned to appreciate some country western singers…Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson…AKA the Highwaymen. I also love Broadway musicals. I can sing along to almost every song from “Wicked” though you wouldn’t want me to. “Phantom of the Opera” has me rooting for the Phantom. And, “Rent” makes me angry, sad, and happy, sometimes all at the same time.
Wrap it up, Marsha!
Just like last month, I really struggled with this post. I started it over and over again. I wasn’t sure which direction to even take. I mean, obviously, I could write forever about music and its influence on me! Music is an important part of our lives. I hate when I hear schools considering cutting the music curriculum when budgets grow strained. It’s so important to our lives. If I can’t convince you, maybe this article can! The Global Writing Challenge has so many good writers, and I can’t wait to read their posts! There is no one way to interpret the prompt. So, can we talk? Has music played an important role in your life? Do you have any musical influences that stand out? If you had to, could you name your absolute favorite musician or band? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as soon as possible.
Thank you!
I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for reading, commenting, subscribing or emailing! It truly means so much to me! If you’d like to follow me on Instagram, you can find me here.
Where you can find me:
Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, The Grey Brunette, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World and A Fresh Cup of Coffee. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, Style Splash and Elegantly Dressed and Stylish as well as the Senior Salon Pit Stop (Esme’s Salon) and Slices of Life. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend every Thursday with Melynda, Lisa, and Sue. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!
What others are saying…
Suzy’s Musical Influences have ranged from pop to rock, shaping her journey through diverse genres. From Madonna’s catchy tunes to the soulful rhythms of Motown, music has been a constant companion, inspiring her creativity and enriching her life.
Gail from Is This Mutton was transfixed one day in 1971 by the star who became her icon. Since then there have been other dalliances, and she has even switched to a different type of music. But she still remains true to the Prettiest Star.
Debbie “goes back in time to her teenage self, rediscovers some favourites from watching Countdown on TV and realises she was very naive when it comes to song lyrics!”
Jill from Grown Up Glamour says, “I found this an interesting one as I am not sure I actually have any Musical Influences. I simply look at music I have enjoyed.”
Penny “recalls how pop music was very much part of her life as a teenager and tells us about her musical influences, which were mostly on television. But she reveals that music now does not really feature in her life.”
Sue and Leslie are also joining in the fun.
And, now, it’s your turn!
If you’d like to link up your Personal Style posts, you may link up here, at Gail’s, Sue’s, or Debbie’s blogs!
This was a great prompt and I loved how you included the radio, stereo and tapes. I think you will enjoy my post as I’m writing about Pink Floyd. There are so many bands and music that I’ve loved and I couldn’t include them all. Bands like you’ve mentioned and singers were all my favourites too. Thanks so much for a fun post and a walk down memory lane, Marsha. xx
Thanks, Sue! I will pop over to read your post soon. I’m so behind on reading and commenting. I am like you…I kept coming up with bands and realized I couldn’t include all of them!
I agree with Sue , this as a walk down memory lane and we share many favourites. I do remember those record players as furniture but not in our house but in many of my friends homes.
I mentioned in my post that I struggled with this one as I do enjoy music it was not really an influence but maybe I am taking it too literally.
Thanks, Jill! It really was a trip down Memory Lane. I kept coming up with different bands and musicians. I’m not 100% sure I addressed how it influenced me, either!
A fabulous post Marsha and you’ve mentioned bands I loved too but forgot to list! My parents loved the big bands too and I smiled at your mention of Tom Jones, Engelbert Humperdinck, and Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass – as I can still hear them! I even forgot to mention my namesake Debbie Harry!! You’ve really got into this prompt and I loved it all. So much fun.
Thanks, Debbie! I really enjoyed this post and can’t wait to read everyone’s piece. I’m a bit behind on reading and commenting. I loved Tom Jones…he is still amazing! Were you really named after Debbie Harry?
I was pleasantly surprised to see Johnny Cash earn a mention in your post! If you haven’t heard the six American recordings, you owe it to yourself. His covers of “One” and “Hurt” are truly phenomenal.
I have always liked Johnny Cash. I think, for a long, long time, he was the only country western singer I did like. My dad loved the old bluegrass musicians. Mike and I actually saw Willie Nelson in concert. I think it was one of the best nights of his life!
Thanks, Sally! I am listening to both songs (not at the same time) right now.
Your stereo console is what we used to call the “radiogram.” After that there were hi-fi separates, and the record player had a smoked glass lid. We used to listen to pirate radio stations because the BBC didn’t play “pop” music until 1968. I don’t think they were AM stations, FM I think.
Oh, Mike and I had one of the record players with a smoked glass lid. We had this huge component system…tape deck, record player, CD player, humongous speakers! Now, we have Alexa! Luckily, we had lots of FM stations where I grew up so I was always able to listen to rock!
Thanks, Gail!
Loved this post! My sister gave me a Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass album for Christmas last year — talk about a trip down memory lane. I completely agree with you about music satisfying the soul. Honestly, I can’t imagine a life without music.
Oh, I love that your sister gave that to you! I wonder how well that sound would go over these days. I don’t know…I’m sure there would be people who love a more instrumental piece now as then, right? The world would be so awful without music.
Thanks, Beth!
Marsha, I love how diverse your musical tastes have been over the years! Some of your earlier favourites are bands I’ve never even heard but as soon as you mentioned the music from Detroit, you had me! I used to love listening to parents Motown albums and if I hear any of it now, it really takes me back! Brilliant post, my friend!
Big hugs
Suzy xx
Thanks, my friend! I think this post was a bit like an iceberg for me. I think I only hit the tip of my musical influences. But, I don’t know…was I influenced or I just loved it all? It is wonderful how a song can take you back in time to certain people, places, and events. Mike is always amazed when I mention how we heard thus and so and here or there! I guess that’s just one of my superpowers!
I love how your musical tastes have evolved.
We always joke that most of our retirement community is stuck in their musical genre of their teenage years.
I think it keeps us young to embrace the new kinds and artists!
Xoxo
Jodie
You know it’s funny you say that. I remember, in one of my college classes, the professor actually told us not to try to keep up with current music because we’d just look foolish! That really stuck with me, but I completely ignored it. I love music, almost all kinds, and cannot imagine my life without it.
Thanks, Jodie!
What a trip down musical memory lane! Fun post! I too, do not sing, but I’m convinced I sound just like the artists when singing in the car!
Thanks, Sara! Do you dance as well as you sing in the car? I know I do!
This post is like a walk down memory lane! I love all the music you love. It’s funny to see the old radio and huge console. Music really heals the soul and that will never change.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks, Kathrine! I think one of the first pieces of furniture we bought was a used stereo console. That just occurred to me! I know music heals my soul and motivates me like nothing else.
This was fun! Bettye had a music prompt many moons ago and it was VERY difficult to choose what to include. You definitely nailed it here…a very diverse collection to appreciate. (James Taylor is a favorite of ours…we’ve seen him several times in concert.)
I tend to listen to an 80’s/upbeat playlist the most, but I also enjoy everything from vintage The New Christy Minstrels, to Supertramp, to Wynona Judd…and musicals, of course.
Music definitely motivates me to get moving and always elevates my mood!
Enjoyed your post, MUCHO!
Oh, I’m definitely jealous…to see James Taylor! I love his voice…it’s so soothing. It’s funny because I only learned to halfway like country musicians like Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and a few others when we were remodeling our house up north. Mike would always put them on the whatever device we were using back in those days! We have seen Willie Nelson in concert, and it was really good. But, when Willie is done, he’s done…no encores!
Thanks, Em!
Music is a big influence for me and I honestly love all kinds. The power it has to transform me is incredible. I can hear a song that reminds me of my youth and I’m 10 again, a song from the 80’s and I’m in high school, it’s really amazing. I can’t sing either. Or dance. BUT I do both and enjoy myself immensely!
xo,
Kellyann
Oh, I can’t dance, and you don’t even want to see me try! I love music as you can probably tell. You are right about the power of music to transport us back in time. I can almost always connect a song to a place or event.
Thanks, Kellyann!
Very cool. I put an old blog on this as I am a huge R.E.M. fan and have been since I saw them on some weird obscure cable access channel in 1983 with Radio Free Europe. They are the super bomb.
Oh, I love R.E.M.! Michael Stipe’s voice is unique and just so soothing. I used to play “Stand” with my students when we were studying latitude and longitude.
Thanks, Patrick!
This one was fun. You and I have similar eclectic musical tastes it looks like.
You also have the same interest in music that my brother did and then passed on to me. He introduced me to The Beatles through The White Album and I was forever hooked. He liked Pink Floyd but I found their music a little depressing at times (sorry) so I didn’t listen as much. I should listen to them again.
My son is into so many of the “old bands” in addition to metal. Lately he’s been listening to some 40s, 50s, and 60s (from a video game he likes to play) and even some old country music – the real stuff.
I’m into a variety – I seem to go through phases – Jazz, rock, southern rock, folk, classical, Christian, gospel, and, very rarely, some hip-hop.
Thanks for making me think about all the different kinds of music I like too!
My youngest son is into music of all kinds, too. He has so much vinyl…a true collector. I would agree Pink Floyd can be a bit depressing, but I love the music at least as much as the lyrics. I am so glad you enjoyed this post!
Thanks, Lisa!
It is interesting to see what other people listen to. It says a lot about them. I can’t imagine only listening to a specific type of music. It would be so boring after a while. This is a great idea!
Thanks, Laura! I love music of just about all kinds. There are some I just don’t get, but then it grows on me…usually way after it’s been popular!
What a wonderful post! Music has such a special place in our lives. I loved hearing about your journey through different genres and memories. The way music connects us to moments and emotions is truly magical. Thanks for sharing your story!
Thank you so much, Doris! I can’t imagine life without music! It would be so boring.
High five…on all of this!! We had such similar musical backgrounds, including the fact that others ask me NOT to sing. My father, for one. And he couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket. Thank you for reminding me of Herb Albert and Tom Jones. Of “Tapestry” – what a fabulous album. Have always loved “Sweet Dreams” – what a voice. We had a radio on top of the refrigerator. And then for birthdays when I was in middle school we received a radio alarm clock. I was so impressed and felt so grown up. Listened to AM, too, because I felt like FM was for ‘druggies.’ HA!! I listened to a station out of Chicago way down in Memphis. What a range they had!! Could only pick it up on clear nights. What a fun walk down Memory Lane.
Thanks, Leslie! I bet it was the same station we could pick up every once in a while. I think our radio sat on top of the refrigerator, too. Music was always playing at our house. I had to laugh at your “druggies” comment. After a bit, there were only a couple AM stations left. We had to switch to FM! We are so alike…maybe we’re second cousins twice removed!