Opening the Music Genres topic with one of my favorite types of music, Broadway show tunes. There have been so many classics over the years, it’s difficult to know where to begin!
Tunes from the Rodgers & Hammerstein show Carousel are so memorable. I’ve always been a John Raitt fan, but whether it’s his 1945 Broadway version with Jan Clayton, or the duet in the 1956 moviewith Gordon MacRae and Shirley Jones, the song If I Loved You is one that stands out in my mind.
I’m sure some of you must have other favorites from this and many other shows. Please, post a comment here and share your favorite tunes from Broadway and the memories that go with them. Maybe you’ve performed one of these songs, or it reminds you of a special person in your life.
Music standards enjoyed by residents and staff include the expected familiar songs like That’s Amore, I’ll Be Loving You Always, Let Me Call You Sweetheart, It Had To Be You and Irish Eyes, but once my senior friends get into the music, you never know what tune might be requested.
One that makes them “shimmy shuffle down” at Harbor House Assisted Living in Oyster Bay, NY is Little Wille by the ’70s group The Sweet. Then there’s the unexpected, ever popular “get up and dance” tune Milkshake. Who knows … maybe there’s a future for Kelis in da Poconos!
Hey, nursing home staff … poll your residents and let us know what their favorites and yours are and I’ll make sure they’re on my list! Or if you’re someone out there with a loved one who enjoys music, share their favorites and the stories that go with them here.
Music is therapy for aging members of our society. When I work with Alzheimer’s patients instead of “lights are on, but nobody’s home” the door opens and the light of music shines! Eyes light up and toes start tapping. They remember the music and I even get help with the lyrics! Receptionist Shakeria doubles as my guitar tech at Sands Point Center for Health and Rehabilitation, Port Washington, NY.
If you’re a staff member at a nursing home, a volunteer, or have a loved one with memory challenges, I invite you to share your music as therapy experiences by posting comments here.
There are songs about the cars, the engines & the drivers, but I wonder how many remember or have this one: “Here Comes the Munster Koach”
A few years back I was at a car show and asked which of the cars there I’d like to take home. The one you see in this photo is the one I chose! When I was a kid I built a model of the car and it’s always been my favorite. I still have that model, but unfortunately I never owned the car … only the song that was on the Munsters album. More about my Munsters Connection on my site.
Anyone out there have another car song to share? How about a story to go with it about your car … a model, remote control toy, or otherwise?
Vance’s music Memoirs is my music blog – a place to take a break for thoughts about music. Share, learn, ask questions and be entertained! You’ll find some interesting comments on the Welcome page, or choose a topic from the upper menu. Browse through the Music Themes or visit Singing with Seniors for more about music used as therapy in Vance’s nursing home work.
Whether you know the music I sing from a concert, the Internet, or singing with me in a nursing home, it would be interesting and helpful to know what songs are your favorites and why.
When it comes to love songs, Elvis is #1 on my list and “I Want You, I Need You, I Love You” has to be the ultimate love song. Have fun watching this classic video of the first, but NOT the last, man to rock out wearing a tux with tails! Anyone notice what Elvis does NOT do in this performance?
Post your comments here about Elvis and the love songs you recall in your life!
Who cannot be sad listening to the Anthony Newley song “What Kind of Fool Am I”?
This unbelievably talented songwriter, singer, actor and director is one of the major influences in my career. He wrote songs that truly make you feel.
Post comments here about songs that cause you to feel, but help you survive sad times in life.
I used to watch TV and dream of being one of the kids on Sesame Street. I would sing along and imagine I was was hanging out in the neighborhood with Oscar, Cookie Monster and the gang. Lance was one of the kids – why not Vance! I can hear Oscar singing I love trash. Remember Big Bird’s alphabet song? Don’t get me started!
Maybe the songs weren’t really so silly … Sesame Street DID get me started!
How about you? Post your comment here about a silly song you sang as a child … maybe still sing as an adult!
Falling Angel is one of my more literally truthful songs – without adding to the story. It’s about a very beautiful young girl I met in NYC when I too was young. Within hours of meeting this enchanting young girl her dark self unfolded before me. I remember thinking how sad it was that at one time she was some mother’s newborn innocent … and to see what she became!
Is there a song that reminds you of someone who may only have crossed your path for minutes, or someone you knew closely for many years? Share your music memories here …
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Opening the Music Genres topic with one of my favorite types of music, Broadway show tunes. There have been so many classics over the years, it’s difficult to know where to begin!
One of my favorite holiday songs is Holly Jolly Christmas. When I was a kid I used to walk around singing this song year round!
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