A Melody and a Memory

By Nolan

The radio blared, barely loud enough to wash out our bad singing, as my dad and I attempted to sing every song. The days spent driving around with my dad, filling orders for his business, are some of my fondest memories. This is when I fell in love with music.

 My father taught me to really listen to a song; to understand it and feel its emotion. He did not do this intentionally. He simply turned down the radio to explain various songs to me and I soon found out that there is much more to music. I saw how one song could make him sad and the next one happy. A simple melody could instantly take him back to 1972.

As I got older, I found that different melodies would connect me to a memory. When I hear Bread singing “Everything I Own”, I think of my dad explaining that song to me in the car. When U2’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” comes on, I remember driving to the beach with my family and singing it with my mom. When I hear Chris Ledoux singing “This Cowboys Hat”, I think of driving around in the “G’mer” with Ben, singing at the top of our lungs. Not all songs take you somewhere happy, and that’s alright. Like when I first hear Kenny Chesney’s voice, I think of the funeral for one of my close childhood friends, but I then think of the good memories we had and smile.

The power of music is indescribable. Think about it. Imagine Church on Christmas Eve, your high school dance, or a long drive without some kind of music. Could you imagine life without it? It’s not a world I would want to be a part of.

Music is powerful, it makes us laugh, makes us cry, heals us and comforts us. Musicians are artists and their songs are their art. That art makes this world a better place and brings us together. I have a strong appreciation for music. And not just one group or genre. I like Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, CCR, Vince Gill, Glenn Campbell, George Strait, and everyone in between. I wrote this because I want to share my love for music with you every week. Keep an eye on our Facebook page, Sundance & Co., where I will share my favorite artists and songs with you every week!  

Is there a melody that connects you to a memory?

- Nolan