I've got the music In me
Once there was an illustration by Gary Larsen for his "Far
Side" series. A man stranded on a desert island holding a magic lamp in his hands while a Genie looks down
on him offering three wishes. The man scratches his chin and replies, "Lets see...I've got rhythm, and I've got
music....how could I ask for anything more?
I've always had the music in me. I have never thought of music as something that was just
in the background playing on the radio or stereo. It's too powerful. I've always related music to the people
and moments in my life. By hearing a few notes of a song, a moment, or a face comes right
into focus - close enough to touch. Then emotion ripples through my body! The soundtrack of my life
acts as a picture album I treasure.
The music I love most is from the 60's and 70's. This was the period that I was growing
up and helped shape me into the person I am today. My family, friends and listening to top 40 radio played
a big part in my appreciation of a wide variety of music styles:
Early rock legends, Girl groups, Phil Spector's wall of sound, doo wop, country, british invasion,
Motown, folk, broadway and movie hits, jazz, the Philly soul sound, singer/songwriters, bubblegum, hard rock, disco, and even
classic crooners.
I'm not a singer - though I have tried fo rmost of my life to be convinced otherwise!
I've spent many an hour in front of my mirror with a make-shift microphone immitating my heros. I'm apt to burst
out a song in the office and be reminded to not quit my day job! Back in high school I was 'famous' for leaping
onto cafeteria tables and giving a lunch time 'performance of Elvis songs! I'm not a musician either.
I'm somewhat tone deaf, but have attempted to play clarinet, organ (by the numbers!), and guitar. I do play the
radio or the stereo!
One of my favorite stories of my singing comes from When I sung in the church choir in my
late teens and early 20's. The pastor wanted a representative from the choir to lead the congregation in singing.
More or less to introduce the hymns and encourage them to join in as the choir sang behind them in the loft above.
The choir master chose me, the most expendible member of the group. What he didn't tell me was, that I was suppose to
turn off the microphone after announcing the hymns! So I ended up singing my heart out - drowning out the choir!
So I have the music in me. It is a friend I can turn to at any time. It comforts
me in times of uncertainty, sadness, or depression; It has the power to inspire, and bring instant joy!
