Name That Tune...

“When this world upsets me, this music sets me free”.

-Gary Clark, Jr.

While walking through a convention center in Austin, TX, I stumbled across Gary Clark, Jr.’s performance being streamed on TV. I took a break, sunk into my chair, and let his fusion sound of blues & soul take my mind away from the pouring rain outside. I was able to “google” the lyrics to the song that was playing and discovered an artist with a sound that I really hadn’t heard before. From there, I was a fan.

Music has always been an integral part of my life. I’m pretty sure it’s because my mom listens to just about anything (some of her playlists have since been banned on road trips) or because my dad has dabbled in djing since I was a kid. Whatever the reason, music seems to be embedded in my DNA.

When I was a child, my grandmother used to tell me, frequently I might add, “If you could learn your schoolwork as easily as you learn them songs, you’d be alright”. Keep in mind that I was always an honor roll student, so I was clearly I was fine.

While I'm intrigued by a nice beat, I’ve always been more drawn to the lyrics of a song. Can I relate? Often times I can. What memory do the lyrics evoke? To this day, whenever I miss my grandmother, I play her favorite song…”Jesus is Love” by the Commodores. She played it every Sunday morning while getting ready for church and forced me into something with ruffles or lace (neither of which I wear to this day).

Music is something we all have in common, no matter your preferred genre. It has the ability to transcend time, language, generations, race, and culture. It can shift your mood, evoke a single thought that ends up on a trip down memory lane. For me, music reminds me of where I’ve been and allows me to focus on where I’m going.

Oh, be sure to leave your favorite song in the comments so I see what tickles your fancy.

-M.T.

P.S. Happy Birthday Grandma!! I miss you and hope you’re proud!