The Sound Track of My Life

If you tried to learn something about my tastes in music by checking out my pre-sets you’d be at a loss. You would find rock stations from the oldies of the 50’s to “Classic Vinyl,” jazz, country, opera, and the channel I have been listening to exclusively in the last few days, “Seriously Sinatra.”  

Growing up in New York in the 50’s our radio was usually tuned to WNEW AM.  Although it would later become an FM progressive rock station, the WNEW of my youth was better known for the Great American Songbook and Big Band music. My father listened to Vic Damone, Tony Bennett (Dad would never have imagined that Tony Bennett would still be performing, adored by new generations.) and, of course, Frank Sinatra. He insisted on the William B. Williams “Make Believe Ballroom” when I wanted to hear Frankie Avalon, Fabian, and the teen idols my friends were swooning over. Before I left for college in the mid-60’s I had switched to the Beatles, the Stones and Bob Dylan, but my Dad never wavered. The only pop star he would deign to acknowledge as having any talent was Elvis Presley whom, he said, could actually sing.  

So, Dad, it might surprise you to know that I’m listening to “your” music now. I only wish you were here to share it with me.