Family and Music

Before I get into my blog, I want to say that I did not post the video because my Grandmother and my Aunt were in the line to Starbucks, getting a coffee and having little conversations off to the side. The video was originally 10 minutes long and had so much information on it, but I narrowed it down a good bit so that y’all could understand what she was saying. My Grandmother is my rock, and has always been there to support me, and I really wanted to get her perspective on how she feels about music, and the ways that music pertains to her life. Below is the transcript of our conversation. (Oh we also call my grandmother “Memommy”)

Transcript of our conversation: 

Me: What kind of music did you listen to growing up? It could be from when you were super young or even to your teenage years. 

Memommy: When I was very young, my mother sang me silly songs and my father sang anything he could think of. My sister sang on the radio and I listened to her sing songs like, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” and “Singing in the Rain.”  When I was a teenager, we listened to the new genre called “Rock Music,” and some of the bands that were popular included “The Beatles,” Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis and the Beach Boys. 

Me: Did you play any instruments or sing in the choir? 

Memommy: I sang in the choir when I was about 9 and I started playing the clarinet in the 6th grade. I took music lessons and played the clarinet in the high school band until the 11th grade. I wasn’t great at signing, but my parents made me so that  I could learn. 

Me: When you went to church, what type of music did they play? I know that when we go to church it is a lot more modern, but if you could explain how it was different, that would be great. 

Memommy: They played traditional hymns in my church, some dating back to the 1500’s and 1600’s. My church did not play any modern music. We went to church every Sunday and sang, and I even joined the choir. My mother was really religious, but my father… not so much.

Me: What is your earliest musical memory? It could be from wherever or whenever. 

Memommy: Listening to the radio and hearing my sister or hearing the creepy music that was played prior to a radio play or mystery. That music really set the scene and created a feeling about the story. I also remember my father singing “McNamara’s Band.”

Me: Did anyone sing to you when you were little?

Memommy: Yes, my father, mother and sisters all sang to me when I was little. They would hum little tunes here and there while we were cleaning or taking showers. I remember my mother would sing “Deedle Deedle Dumplin.” 

Me: What is your favorite song or artist? 

Memommy: I don’t really have a favorite per se. I think it depends on the mood I am in and what is going on around me. I listen to so many different kinds of music and I enjoy most of it. I have been listening to Jack Johnson a lot lately and have thoroughly enjoyed his music. 

(This is one of many songs that she listens to by Jack Johnson)

Me: How do you feel about our generation’s music? 

Memommy: I enjoy listening to new music. It’s exciting to hear how much it has changed. I am not a huge fan of heavy metal or rap due to the language used, but I can see why those genres would appeal to young people. I often listen to whatever music my grandchildren want to listen to in the car, so I would say that I have been introduced to a wide variety of modern music and I like most of it.

Me: What do you think makes music beautiful?

Memommy: I think music is beautiful when you have a connection to it, or if it provides comfort or is soothing. When music creates an experience, give you enjoyment or helps you to celebrate an occasion, it is beautiful.

Me: How has your music taste changed over the years? 

Memommy: I am probably more accepting of many different genres that I was when I was younger. I like to hear new music and new artists and find excitement in hearing talented singers on stage or on the radio. I still like the things I listened to when I was younger, but am more open to new music now.

(She told me when I called her, that she could not choose her favorite song, but if she had to, it would be Shallow by Lady Gaga)

I really had a great time creating this blog, it let me learn more about my grandmother and how she feels about music. Some things she said to me were surprising, but if y'all have any questions, please feel free to comment below. Have a wonderful weekend :)