The
Music
We
Shared
By Kendolyn Walker
Music was and still is (as I like to think) a love language shared between my father and me. He was always very honest when he did not like a song or an artist I sent to him. He went into depth with details about the reasons as well. With the same passion, he would explain why he enjoyed the songs and artists he liked.
My father grew up in a family that enjoyed music and concerts. So, it’s understandable why he wanted to share that love with his wife and children. Daddy set the foundation for us all to appreciate music from all genres, created by people from different backgrounds.
When Pandora first came out, he fell in love. He put it on his work computer and enjoyed all of his favorite artists daily. Daddy was so deep into the Pandora realm that he refused to switch to Spotify when I pleaded with him to make the change.
So these are some of our conversations. Some I shared with him and some he shared with me. Others were fond memories. They all spoke to the empathetic and warm heart my father had. Here are six songs to give you a taste of the music we enjoyed together.
“Stomp” by The Brothers Johnson
This is the earliest and possibly only song I ever danced to with my father. In talking to my aunts, they shared that I was about two or so, and would request the song by yelling “Thomp, Daddy, thomp!” What a time.
A groovy dance tune with a celebratory tone about heading out to have a good time on the weekend or any evening. It hits home more as Brothers Johnson was a sibling group, similar to my own.
Fast Cars - Tracey Chapman
Tracey Chapman was an artist my dad constantly had on rotation in his car. Her calming voice and guitar tracks most likely created the foundation of my love for the acoustic genre.
Chapman sings about escaping a current hard situation and beginning anew. The drums and guitar, along with her one-of-a-kind vocals, really emphasize the theme of despair and hope.
You got a fast car / Is it fast enough so you can fly away?
You gotta make a decision / Leave tonight or live and die this way
Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold
This was an artist my father told me about in my adult years. I am sure I had already moved to New York City when he introduced me to Eva Cassidy’s work. My father loved her voice and was sad that she died at the age of 33. When she passed, her music garnered a lot of attention. She was always too shy for the stage or large audiences but used her voice to interpret songs from all genres creatively. “Fields Of Gold” was an original track by Sting. Cassidy took this song, created a slower tempo version, and sang it with a ballad, nostalgic tone.
Fly - Sara Groves
I have been a lifelong fan of Sara Groves. Her lyrics and melodies, along with her calming voice, have been a part of my growing years.
This song, “Fly,” became a special one between my father and me when I sang it at a close friend’s wedding. My dad was so excited and happy he continued to play this song for years. It reminds me of the way he championed me and cheered me on in all things.
Groves also sings about championing your loved ones with these lyrics and “flying” when encouraged by her partner’s love.
Speak in a summer tone / Pause in the after glow
Tenderly whisper my name / Tell me once again why I am your bride
So I can fly
So I can fly
Pause in your busy day / Look extra long my way
Wink at me across the room / Kiss me longer
Touch my arm when I am by your side
So I can fly
So I can fly
Oh, how the little things / Strengthen my tiny wings
Help me to take on the world / When you love me, there's nothing I wouldn't try
I might even fly
I might even fly
I might even fly
Save The Best For Last - Vanessa Williams
My father told me once that the main reason he liked Vanessa Williams was that she reminded him of my mother. I specifically remember him telling me this during our drives in his car while this song was playing. This fondness has been passed down to me, as I, too, have enjoyed Vanessa Williams’ music and voice for as long as I can remember. Not to mention it has been fun watching her become an amazing actress as well!
In “Save The Best For Last,” Williams sings about a friend becoming a partner. The feel of this song immediately sends me to the 80’s. The keyboard, drums, and strings cushion the words with comfort and peace. She laments about the times he shared his dreams and hopes with her yet continued dating others. But finally, love wins out, and they become '“the best” for each other.
Wiyathul - Gurrumul
I honestly cannot remember where I first heard this song. My sister told me that I am always listening to new music and new artists, so maybe I found Gurrumul, an Aboriginal Australian singer, via one of my Pandora or Spotify shuffles. But I sent it to my father soon after, and I don’t think I heard feedback on it for a while.
Then I think I was talking to him one day, and he started playing it. Again, we were most likely in his car on a drive. Daddy told me the song had brought him to tears. Even as the lyrics in this artist’s native tongue of Yolŋu, the tenderness of his voice indeed soothes my soul despite the fact I do not understand the meaning. I can’t recall all of my father’s critiques of this song, but he definitely told me the tune made him cry.
Gurrumul was a blind musician and singer. He played the drums, keyboards, guitar, and didgeridoo. Something that made him extremely unique was his ability to play a right-handed guitar, even though he was left-handed.
My father was an amazing man who loved Jesus and music of all genres. These songs highlight his compassion, insight, and wisdom. I am thankful, as Daddy laid the groundwork of my passion for music excellence. His love for music, along with his faith, I now walk in.
Kendolyn Walker is a singer-songwriter based in Harlem who serves as producer and founder of The City Love Collective: City Love on the Radio, City Love NYC and the City Love Picnic.