When I was 2 years old, I would sing. I didn't know any songs, but I sang anyway. Ever since then, I have been wanting to do nothing else.
Although neither of my parents were formally trained in the vocal arts, they both enjoy singing. My mother would wake me in the morning to her "Good Morning" song, and my father would sing along with the Frank Sinatra songs he would have on the stereo day and night. My brothers and I all developed a deep appreciation for Frank Sinatra.
Along with Old Blue Eyes, my favorite singers include Sammy Davis, Jr., Ella Fitzgerald, Mandy Patinkin, and Dean Martin. But it wasn't until I heard Fred Astaire that I fell in love with song itself. His pure style and flawless rhythm combine to illuminate the beauty of the composer's idea. He introduced countless hits by Irving Berlin, George Gerwshin, Cole Porter and Jerome Kern. Probably everyone's list of favorite songs contains at least one that he first sang.
It was through the Fred Astaire lens that I was first introduced to the composers of the Great American Songbook. My appreciation for the romantic and entrancing music that these great musicians gave us is what inspired me to study music. Despite the many setbacks that come with being human, my dream is still alive and so are the songs I love.
|
