The idea to develop a “soundtrack of your life” was given to me by my friend and colleague, Shawn Morton, who gave it as a distance learning assignment for her students recently. She asked her students to choose five important life events, write a paragraph about it, then find music that would serve as the soundtrack for that event. So, after reading Shawn’s Facebook post last night, I got up early this morning with this on my mind!
I’m also posting this as an example for my students because I’m soon going to make this an assignment for them later this month. For me, I’m calling it “The Soundtrack of My Youth.” but for my students, the project will be called “Soundtrack of my life” because their youth is all they know. So young!
The time in quarantine has really allowed me to reflect and think about many things, including the memories I have and what I am grateful for. It is such a difficult task to narrow down just five live events, memories, or people from my youth. But here is a (very small) snapshot of the “Soundtrack of my youth.”
Mom
While my mother was only with me for a short part of my life, there are many memories, some vivid and some foggy, that I can recall in our time together before she took her own life in July of 1986.
I vividly remember my mom singing many songs of The Supremes, and in particular, “Where Did Our Love Go”. This most often happened in the car and she would get very energetic and happy. I remember her fondness of The Beatles, and while I wasn’t a fan of them (or really just unaware of them) while she was alive, I think I owe my continued love of the music of The Beatles to her. One memory that I will never forget…. When I was just five years old I remember her crying in the car the day (or possibly the day after) John Lennon was shot and murdered on December 8, 1980. I remember her sadness and her trying to explain to me who John Lennon was. To this day, the music of John Lennon strikes home with me in so many ways. I hold all of the music of The Beatles, John Lennon, and Paul McCartney very close to my heart.
WINNER: The Supremes: Where Did Our Love Go (1964)
RUNNER UP: Beatles: In My Life (1965)
Growing up in the 80’s
The 80’s were weird but they were the times when I was most formidable and it was the decade that essentially shaped my youth. There’s so much good and bad that happened in my life in the 80’s, but I wouldn’t want it any other way! This music brings back so many memories and there are songs that draw up some very specific events. It’s still my favorite.
During this time I obviously experienced the popular music of the day, but also got into heavy metal/hard rock (Twisted Sister, Mötley Crüe, Quiet Riot, etc.) and rap (Run D.M.C., Beastie Boys, N.W.A). But in the late 80’s I was also receiving classical music training through my violin and school orchestra. While I was discovering and exploring some of the masterpieces of classical music, it was far less exposure than I was getting to popular music. Without school orchestra I would have never had the opportunity to learn about classical music.
So, for the 80’s, if I had to sum it up just one song, it would be with Simple Minds’ “Don’t You (Forget About Me).” This song really captures the spirit, mood, and culture of the 80’s to me. Also, The Breakfast Club is one of my favorite 80’s movies, even though it was far beyond what I should have been able to watch as a kid!
WINNER: Simple Minds: Don’t You (Forget About Me)
RUNNER UP: Beastie Boys: (You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party)
WINNING ALBUM: Van Halen: 1984 (1984)
Boating
Boating on Lake Erie and a camping/boat along the Allegheny Reservoir near Kinzua Dam were some of the most memorable times of my youth. The water, the breeze, and the sun all remain in my vivid memory. I think this is why boating has once again become such an important part of my life and my relaxation.
Growing up we had a 19 foot 1971 Glastron boat that had an 8-track player installed. I remember playing Fleetwood Mac’s Rumors album and Christopher Cross’s self-titled debut album over and over. The interesting thing about an 8-track is that fast-forwarding or rewinding wasn’t an option (at least for us) so we mainly listened to it all the way through. Hence, this is why I have two full albums and not an individual song. Rumors, much like the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, is a work of art that is considered a whole rather than a collection of individual songs. Rumors has to be one of the best albums of all time.
WINNER: Fleetwood Mac: Rumors album (ALL) (1977)
RUNNER UP: Christopher Cross (1979)
Grammy
My grandmother (Grammy) , Dorothea Laux, was one of the most influential people in my life. Her passing in 2003 was one of the most challenging losses I have ever encountered. She taught me a lot about life, but mostly I learned how to laugh and how to be joyful. Yes, she did spoil me, but that wasn’t the reason I loved her so much. It was her spirit, her warmth, and the way she cared so much about me. Grammy had a turntable with a whole bunch of her favorite vinyl albums including Kenny Rogers, The Oak Ridge Boys, and others. She also had the greatest hits album of Jim Croce’s and one of our favorite songs to listen together was Bad, Bad, Leroy Brown. This song is fun, upbeat, and always made us laugh and smile. My runner up piece is Cat Steven’s Morning Has Broken. This song was selected by my dad to be played at Grammy’s funeral and that memory has stuck with me since then.
WINNER: Jim Croce: Bad Bad Leroy Brown (1973)
RUNNER-UP: Cat Stevens: Morning Has Broken (1972)
High School
High School had its ups and downs. Mainly, I felt like I was trying to figure everything out in life. But music, both listening and making music by playing my violin, helped me get through. I owe a lot to music and orchestra for providing me with a focus and a purpose. I have no idea what I would be doing today without the musical opportunities I was provided.
It was during my high school years that I discovered the complete works of The Beatles along with John Lennon’s solo works, thanks to my long-time friend, Jessica (French) Hill. I remember hanging out with her, just listening to music, and being blown away. I remember the first time I heard Abbey Road, Sgt. Pepper’s, and The White Album. I had no idea about these amazing works and am thankful for this time we were able to share together! I also loved the time hanging with one of my very best friends, Andy Huntoon, and remember listening to Tom Petty’s album Full Moon Fever, U2’s Joshua Tree (and many others) in between our violin practice sessions. I’ll never forget the time spent at his house — his family always made me feel so special and welcome. (Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Huntoon!)
But, when I hear Bryan Adams’ Everything I Do, it just strikes high school memories. It was just a popular song during my senior year. Bryan Adams music in general brings back lots of great memories and it was great to be able to share that with my family when we saw him live last summer. He still sounds amazing and puts on an awesome show. Bryan Adams is now one of my youngest son’s favorites!
WINNER: Bryan Adams: Everything I Do (I Do It for You) (1991)
RUNNER UP: Tom Petty: Free Fallin’ (1989)
So that’s a very small snapshot of the “soundtrack of my youth.” The topics are the things that first came to my mind.
What’s the soundtrack of your life? I’d love to hear it!