What Music Will You Pass On To Future Generations
Posted: Saturday, April 04, 2009
by Laura Trahan
"Bye, Bye Miss American Pie" is probably one of the most remembered songs of its time. The song verbalized the end of the era of rock. It was about the untimely death of rock n roll great Buddy Holly in 1959.
The story is told that the song put to words a feeling of the nation. The writer felt as well as others that with the death of Buddy Holly that rock was sure to die as well.
Why do I tell you this? Growing up, my mom made a point to educate me on the music of her day. We traveled to Graceland. She had article after article about the Beatles from Life Magazines to newspaper clippings. I can recite every song of Grease because she would blare it on days we cleaned.
Music has such an amazing effect on people. Couples have songs. Movies can be a success or a dud based on musical scores. There is something heavenly about the effect music has on people.
One of my favorite songs right now is a song by Leonard Cohen called Hallelujah. Since its original inception, the song has been rerecorded and covered over 180 times. There is a line in the song that talks about King David from the Bible.
"I heard there was a secret chord that David played and it pleased the Lord"
The song moves me. I think it is the melody more than the lyrics, but it has an effect. Because of this song, I have been thinking a lot about the effect of music and its ability to die with a generation.
Because of lyrical content, this is not a song I would pass on to my kids at this point in my life. But it got me to thinking about what songs should be passed on from my generation.
I have a two-year-old boy that I teach. As part of our spring unit, we did some spring cleaning. I could not help but to crack up as he began to sing, "Big Girls Don't Cry" as he wiped the table. He, of course, was mimicking his mom.
My mom made sure that I grew up knowing the songs that impacted her and the society at the time. What do I have to pass on?
I have began a mission to teach my kids about the great history of music so they can realize the heritage of music. I plan on teaching them the classics of the Beatles and Elvis and the Grease soundtrack just because that is what I grew up with. My husband will throw in some CCR and Floyd. From our generation, I can throw in some Pearl Jam and Nirvana.
What are some classics that you feel should be passed on the new generation. Share in the comments below. I would love to hear your thoughts.
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)Hi Laura, it's funny how music plays a big part in cleaning house for many families :-) Music is motivating, there is no doubt about that! There are many groups that are family fav's for different reasons. Crystal Lewis is a biggy! Then there are Styx. It brings joy to our hearts as parents when we catch our kids listening to Styx because it reminds them of our fun times together. I have a feeling my grandchildren will be grow up singing "come sail away with me: ha. Thanks for a heart warming piece :-) Crank up the music!HA! Teresa, I love that you guys like Styx! Thanks so much for commenting! Made my day!
Laura, Great article, and one of my favorite topics. I am a DJ as you may, or may not know, and music has been a big part of my life. I am also an actor and singer, in productions like "For The Lands Sake", "Death On A Dusty Street", "A Christmas To Remember", "The Great Bank Robbery", "Tombstone", "The Commancheros", and many, many more. There was music in all of these productions, "Three Amigos" so, needless to say.....I love music. The music of my era, 150 years ago, lol.....not really, was Dwane Eddie, Conway Twitty, Roy Orbinson, Shelly Fabre', Soundtrac from "West Side Story", (When You're a Jet, and Maria were my favorites, not to mention, Officer Kruptkie) was great, The music and soundtract of "Exodus", and big band greats like Mitch Miller, Lawrence Welk, Tommy Dorsi, and of course country western greats like Gene Autry, Frankie Lane, The Four Seasons, Beach Boys, The Lettermen, Mamas and the Papas, The Carpenters, I can go on and on.....I listen to these talents to this day, and my kids love all of them. The Beatles came out when I was in Vietnam, but that is another generation, not really my generation. So, allot of what I have listed here, is what I passed down to my kids, along with the vinyl records that go with them.....Great article, and stroll down memory lane......I loved the read......your fan, and friend in pen.....GaryGary! I learn more about you all the time!! You are a very impressive man! My mom loved Westside Story as well-she was often singing about the Jets. She was also a Beach Boys fan as well. I am impressed with the range and genres of the music you are passing on! thanks so much for sharing and commenting!
Thank you for a fun article.I too grew up on music. My mom and aunt sang for the Grand Ole Opera, but my favorites are Bette Middler, Ann Murray, B J Thomas to name a few. When I'm painting I listen to classical so I just love music period. I think its great that you are going to put together something for your children. I think music keeps us young.Linda DLinda-I could not agree more that music keeps you young! I have had so much energy this morning because of the music blaring or it could be the extra shot of expresso in the coffee! :) My dad was a huge Grand Ole Opry fan so I know the music you are referring to! It is great music! Thanks so much for sharing!
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