Musical Roots

This weekend our writing group, Story Exploratory, explored our groove! We used music as an exercise to generate writing ideas. We were given time to free write, and I decided to create a timeline of the musical influences in my life. I went from "Here Comes Peter Cottontail" to Country Music at various times in my life with many other genres in between. What I noticed is that Country Music has dominated my heart for the majority of my life. I oftentimes dreamed that my musical roots were somewhere in the deep South on a porch of an old clapboard house when in reality my roots are more corridos and rancheras. Corridos are typically ballads that tell of an historical event. Most often it is a way to bring light to topics of social justice. It usually ends with a moral and a farewell. Rancheras are songs whose lyrics often focus on love and are sung with strong emotion. This type of song originated out on the ranch lands. I was blessed growing up in a border town in South Texas where the Mexican culture is prominent and beautifully rich. I was surrounded by educators who made every effort for children to know and understand their heritage through music. My dad picked his guitar sometimes and played some of these songs so I learned from him as well.

While I do not deny my heritage, Country Music and I had a connection. In retrospect, I think it came from sitting with my grandparents and watching Hee Haw. I learned who many of the the Country Music icons were and then somehow (I'm guessing through reading) I learned about the history of the music. My dad had introduced me to Elvis and Johnny Cash, and my fascination with biographical information multiplied. Through further reflection, I think I could connect a bit more to Country Music lyrics because of the language. Although I am bilingual, it just seemed easier for me to comprehend the lyrics in English.

Fast forward to the early 80s and George Strait came onto the scene, and my love for Country Music was solidified! His music was a marker of my advancement into young adulthood and then independence when I went off to college. Being an avid reader, I am always drawn to words, and in my opinion some of the best stories are told through Country Music... and no, it isn't all about "mama, or trains, or trucks, or prison, or getting drunk." ( —Steve Goodwin, You Never Call Me by My Name)

Now fast forward all the way to 2016 and our daughter moved away to Nashville, Tennessee, home of the Grand Ole Opry to go to school! With our numerous trips during her college years and beyond, I have had so many wonderful opportunities exploring my favorite genre of music there. One special opportunity was an evening at The Bluebird Cafe. We got to listen to a group of songwriters talk about contemporary songs they wrote or cowrote. The back stories for these songs were interesting to hear how they came about, how ideas develop into songs we hear on the radio or that we stream! I have had the opportunity to go on a backstage tour of the Opry where countless artists have prepped for their performances on that iconic stage. I have toured the Ryman Auditorium, referred to as the Mother Church Country Music. I've gone to the Country Music Hall of Fame and seen the cornfield props from Hee Haw!

No matter what genre(s) of music influences your life, take a moment to ponder why it does. Think about how music has enhanced your life. You might surprise yourself with the memories that will be called up when you do. And no matter what, don't forget your roots!

My friend Kim and I in front of Johnny Cash's Storytellers Museum and Hideaway in Bon Aqua, Tenn.