The Music That Molded Me - The Early Years

I want to share some of the music that influenced me and the various phases I have gone through. This short series of posts will move from my early teens (late 60s) to now.

Today's post I will share about my musical journey leading up to my mid-teens, ie, the early years.

My Parents Music

Like most, the first music I remember was the music my parents and aunts and uncles would play or sing. My mother could sing well and play piano. She also had a huge stereo cabinet record player and would play mostly country music from the 50s. Hank Williams, Roy Clark, and Johnny Cash were regulars.

One of the songs that I really enjoyed was from Nancy Sinatra, "These Boots Were Made For Walking." I had never until just now seen the video that went with the song. Wow. Very risky for the times. I like the song even more now, wow.

My aunts were younger than my mom, and they loved Elvis and the Beatles. I don't remember seeing young Elvis, but recall watching middle-aged and older Elvis concerts on TV often. I in particular enjoyed You Ain't Nutin But A Hound Dog and Heart Break Hotel.

My First Radio And My Top 40s Phase

When I was about 8 (early 70s) my parents bought me an AM-FM radio for Christmas. My Sisters also got the same radio for Christmas to be fair and so we didn't have to fight over what to listen to.

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We lived in the boonies but I was able to get a good number of stations, especially on AM. I discovered the pop music of the time. The Carpenters, the Captain and Tennille, Elton John, Jackson 5.

One of my favorite songs from that period was American Pie, by Don McLean. I didn't understand what it was about till much later.

It was a Saturday ritual to listen to Casey Kasem's Top 40 Countdown. Even more so when a couple years later my parents bought us all tape recorders and a 100-pack of cassette tapes. My sister and I became very good at making early "mixed tapes" by capturing songs off the radio.

Next Post - The High School Years

I hope you enjoyed my walk down memory lane and enjoyed listening to some of the music I recall from my early years. My next post will be rocking as I discuss the music I listened to from my late teens and high school years.

@captaincryptic