Flashback Friday & Follow Friday 40 & Over







I hesitated to do this week's Flashback because there are so many things I could say about music in my life!  So, I'll try to keep it simple!
This week's prompts:

What role did music play in your growing up years? What, if any, music do you associate with early childhood? What music style or songs were popular when you were in high school? How did you listen to music - on the radio, albums, etc. Did you have a stereo in your room? Did you attend concerts when you were a teenager? Did the music you liked cause conflict with your parents? What song or songs take you back to a certain place and time of your youth?

My mother wanted to be a concert pianist when she grew up.  So, obviously we had a lot of music in the house when I was growing up.  All different kinds of music.  And, having older siblings (the oldest is 9 years older than I), I was exposed to the great music in the late 60's when the oldest siblings were teenagers.  A 60's song will come on the radio and I'll be taken back to the pool, seeing the teenagers sitting out on the grassy area with their towels and blankets, radios blaring.  Especially "Brandy" by Looking Glass.  Yes, I know this came out in 1972 (because I looked it up...gotta love the 'net!).  I was a child of the 70's and loved everything from Barry Manilow  to some Van Halen & AC/DC.  I even got into some Oak Ridge Boys and Alabama!  Then there are the show tunes from musicals.  At one point when the boys were little, I bought the soundtrack from Oklahoma and would blare it on the car radio, singing along at the top of my voice, much to the horror of the boys.  (But that's our right as a parent, correct?)
Okay, back to the topic!  I listened to the radio, but I did get a portable 8-track player for Christmas one year.  My music never conflicted with my parents' taste...not that I know of, anyway.  My parents were really good to not say anything if they didn't like it!  I never went to any concerts.  My first concert ever was one of the best bands of all time:  Chicago.  And, it was when I was in college.  I also saw  Loverboy when I was in college.  And that completes the list of concerts I've seen...except for The Judds when OS was little.
My mother's family was very music-oriented.  One of her brothers (who was a priest) taught us a lot of cool bible songs...I guess he's the one who introduced me to Christian music! Even though I don't hear those songs, just thinking about them takes me back to when we had visits from family in Tx., or when we would go to visit family in Tx.
 
There are so many songs that remind me of different times in my life.  The Supremes (Where Did our Love Go and Stop in the Name of Love) remind me of when I was 4 or 5 and my older siblings were in school.  Mom would put the record on the player for me while I played with my dolls.  Then there was the Cowsills (Remember them?  They sang "Hair" and "Love American Style")...I used to sneak my older brother's album and play that when he wasn't home.  Then of course, there is Chicago that reminds me of summer nights growing up.  I could go on & on boring you, so I think I'll stop before people stop following!
I'll leave you with one of my favorite Cowsill songs.  (Trivia:  The Cowsills were approached to be in a tv series, but the role of the mom had already been filled so they turned it down.  The tv series?  The Partridge Family, which is probably what drew me to them!)

13 comments:

  1. I'm not familiar with the Cowsills. I enjoyed reading your memories!

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  2. Loved the prompt so I joined in. I loved reading your story about music too.

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  3. Great musical memoris! I'd forgotten about the Cowsils!

    My only daughter is named Brandy--and yes, I used to love that song, too!

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  4. I remember the Cowsills...I loved the prompt today. I could write ten posts on this topic : ) I was sure you came from a musical family!

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  5. You brought tears to my eyes. I love almost every song/group you mentioned. I am a fanilow! Yes I will hear a song and they do take you right back. I am going to Amazon to get that Cowsills song. Chicago and Steely Dan we still listen to. Our kids actually listen to them too because they fell in love with it because we play them a ALL THE TIME. Thank you so much for the memories. I did not grow up with music in my house. Well my brother played the organ, I took lessons but the teacher quite me! Thanks for the memories.

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  6. Loved the OK song story! Forgot about the Cowsills. Loved the Partridge Family. Wanted a van/bus like they had.

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  7. I love 70's tunes as well as the newer stuff.
    It is amazing how hearing a song can just send you back YEARS and YEARS!!!
    Have a great weekend Mary.

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  8. What is this 8-track you speak of? Ha! I joke. Fun post.

    (*oh... and I found your name. In my bowl! :D)

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  9. I LOVED the Partridge Family! Who didn't want to have Keith as a boyfriend?! LOL
    I also liked The Monkeys. Remember that? Kind of an odd show, part mystery at times, part music, part slap stick...
    I'd completely forgotten about those shows until reading your post. Thanks for the memories :)

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  10. "Brandy" is such a sad song--but beautiful. I listen to "oldies" now quite a bit (that is, the songs of YOUR childhood)--but in our household growing up, we only listened to Christian music. 'Course, my youngest siblings have a whole different experience than I, since Mom and Dad didn't have much control over what music they put on their personal music devices.

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  11. Wow!! That song is sure a blast from the past. Believe it or not... I STILL knew all the words. Guess that is showing my age. Great post.

    Following you from Friday Follow over 40. When You get a chance, I hope you can stop by and follow me back. Terry

    My Journey With Candida
    http://myjourneywithcandida.blogspot.com/

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  12. I don't think I ever heard that song before... But I enjoyed hearing your memories, they brought back some of my own...

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  13. Great question! I loved music as a young child. I got a piano from 'Santa Clause' when I was 7 and took lessons for many years. Then, I joined the band in 5th grade and played all the way until I was in the 11th grade. My daughters have inherited my love of music and now my 18 y/o just left for Auburn University to study Music Education. My daughter who is a junior this year will most likely follow in her footsteps.

    Thanks so much for stopping by my blog, for following and for leaving such a sweet comment. I truly appreciate it. I am now following you as well.

    I hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

    Blessings,

    Teresa <><

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