MUSIC

Music has always played an important part in my life.  I have always enjoyed singing - both of my parents could carry a tune, but I remember thinking that my mother's voice was very pleasant.  We would sing silly songs that she taught me when we traveled in the car - I specifically remember her singing fun songs like Mairzy Doats by Milton Drake (1943) & Managua, Nicaragua by Irving Fields (1947).  The first song my dad taught me was an old Tex Ritter ditty, I Love My Rooster...very silly!  So I learned at a young age that music was fun.

Then one day I heard my Grandpa Cowell singing to his Mitch Miller Album, Sing Along With Mitch.  His voice was beautiful & deep & rich.  The songs varied in style, but G'pa's booming bass was strong & clear and I learned from him that music was beautiful!  It was especially nice when the rest of the men joined in, My Uncle Al, Uncle Tom, & Uncle Charlie...it was a special treat when they busted into the old gospel songs and I learned that music was sacred. 

I learned to appreciate music at an early age, all kinds of music.  Dad listened to Country, so did Mom, but she would change it up and throw in a little Rock 'n Roll now and then, like Elvis or Chubby Checkers or Jerry Lee Lewis.  And of course there was American Bandstand!  This show began in 1952 & ran all the way until 1989!  This show featured teenagers dancing to Top 40 songs & at least one live performance per show.  The teenagers "rated" each song and we grew up hearing all the latest music & seeing all the latest dance moves right there in our own home...great fun!  I love to dance...music makes you move.

We used to watch all the old school musicals - they seemed to be on TV regularly.  Mom seemed to know all of those songs, too - West Side Story, Oklahoma, South Pacific, Flower Drum Song, Calamity Jane, etc...love me some musicals!  I continued to follow musicals and was captivated by the inspirational lyrics & tunes.  I learned that music was emotional.

I was proud of my Country roots, being from Bakersfield & all...the home of Merle Haggard & Buck Owens...but I love all kinds of music!  My first concert was to see Conway Twitty & Loretta Lynn - Jimmy Buffet opened for them.  I have also seen Jefferson Starship, Chicago, Bread, Hall & Oats, Heart, Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton, Elton John, The Eagles, Michael Crawford & The Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  I must admit, that I do NOT appreciate hard rock or rap music...I like to be able to hear & understand the words.

I did sacrifice popular Top 40 music during my "baby years" - I looked for ways to entertain my children in the car while they were younger so we would listen to Disney Silly Songs & Sesame Street songs.  This kept them under control in the car...music is entertaining.  But there is a hole in my musical experience during the 80s...I was absent from the radio.