Music
Music Memories Gifted by my Mum
Frank Sinatra, Neil Diamond and Julio Iglesias…
Mum died in 2011 and I miss all that she was. I remember her vibrancy every day, but last year I finally sat back and realised I’m happy she is resting — the lockdowns would have crucified her.
As a child she very much let me be myself, not attempting to inflict her will or preferences. I grew up respecting her. Consequently, as the years have passed I realise — of my own volition — I actually admire many of the things she enjoyed, including the music.
Music Unites Families.
Listening to music releases endorphins, and these feel good neurochemicals can help to bring people closer together.
Humans are social creatures, and we thrive in communities. Endorphins have been shown to also help reinforce social attachments — Healthline.
As a child I remember extended family gatherings. After dinner, Uncle G would take requests and put on a variety of music. Even though it was only the mid 70s he had wired his property with speakers so if Aunt L was in the kitchen cooking she could hear it too. I have wonderful memories of everyone singing along and often getting up to dance. I am certain that such occasions contribute to family bonding.
Mum’s Favourite Artists.
My mum really enjoyed music and admired quite a few singers. Here are three of them that I love to sing along to…
Frank Sinatra: Ol blue eyes. Or were they brown? What a god given voice. A true talent and many of his songs were simply great entertainment. Frank was played at those large family gatherings. Everyone seemed to enjoy the songs, so hearing his music now fills me with happiness. This song was one of my mum’s favourites. Personally, I love the lyrics, telling us about a life of romance as the years passed by.
“It Was A Very Good Year”
When I was seventeen it was a very good year It was a very good year for small town girls and soft summer nights We’d hide from the lights on the village green When I was seventeen When I was twenty-one it was a very good year It was a very good year for city girls who lived up the stair With all that perfumed hair and it came undone When I was twenty-one Then I was thirty-five it was a very good year It was a very good year for blue-blooded girls Of independent means, we’d ride in limousines their chauffeurs would drive When I was thirty-five But now the days are short, I’m in the autumn of the year And now I think of my life as vintage wine from fine old kegs From the brim to the dregs, and it poured sweet and clear It was a very good year It was a mess of good years
Neil Diamond: When I was a child, his LP’s were kept by the record player and whenever she had the chance, Mum played them. Neil provided the soundtrack for the background of my youth.
- Beautiful Noise.
- Song, Song Blue.
- I am I said.
So many amazingly corny, yet wonderful songs.
By the time I was an adult, his music meant a lot to me too, so as soon as I had my own money I bought tickets and thrilled Mum with seeing her favourite singer live. We actually went a couple of times over a period of a decade. I remember one was at Earls Court, London. Neil always used to — and probably still does — invite his audience down to the front of the concert hall. Then he would get off the stage and kiss them one by one! Yes. It is true. We were not in the stalls, so Mum didn’t receive that kiss, but we both witnessed what a truly great entertainer the man is.
A lot of the singers back then were just that — singers. A song-writer provided them with the score and it was their job to perform it. However, Neil used to write most of his own and also penned hits for other artists such as Red Red Wine, UB40 (1983).
Julio Iglesias: Mum loved to listen to Julio sing in Spanish. And I have to say he was a personal favourite of mine. For spawning the delectable — but not so charismatic son — Enrique Iglesias. But more so because a particular beau of mine came round when I was looking after Mum’s house while she was away, and was thrilled to see Julio’s music. The pair of us spent a fabulous care free few hours, playing all of his tunes.
Mum passed on the above artists to me, but what she really gifted was the memories that walk hand in hand with the music.
I will finish by linking a must view video of Neil as a young man…
Linked to the Wicked Wednesday meme — sing along.
If you like this story about music and memories, then you may enjoy this one by Penelope Mayfield too.
More from May…
