Dedicated to my grandfather The Xavierite
When I think of The Beach Boys, ZZ Top or even Barry White, I think of one person, my grandfather. My best friend leaves behind memories of the music he loved most.
My grandfather was musically inclined like no other. Growing up, he seemed to have an enjoyment for classical music and tuning in on the AM radio. In fact, anywhere I would go with him, it was strictly opera or classical music. Much so, that I even played the violin as a child as it was second nature to hear music such as that.
I always knew my grandfather loved music which probably explains my passion for it as I got older. As a kid, I would listen to his cassette tapes that he would leave all over the house since I liked how it sounded different compared to what friends were listening to.
At the age of 10, I was listening to Alabama and ZZ Top on a cassette player in my house instead of listening to Justin Bieber. To be fair, I wouldn’t have changed anything about it either. Now as it brings nostalgia, I can smile and reflect.
There was no fan of The Beach Boys quite like my grandfather either. At a young age I saw a CD special on TV for The Beach Boys and I knew we had to order it for him for that upcoming Father’s Day. Of course, he loved it and played with them in his truck.
I’m especially grateful for my grandfather’s presence in my life since he truly was my best friend. One of our most occurring conversations was the topic of music. Now that he has passed away, I listen to the same music as he did to remember all the memories created with him.
My grandfather with me and my older brother during Christmas The Xavierite
I remember always hearing Christmas music on a loop every year because my grandfather’s favorite time of the year was Christmas. My siblings and I knew that once the music started, it was time for us to help him decorate the entire house. We were “simply having a wonderful Christmas time.”’
My grandfather always had a flare for Western films and music too. “The Good The Bad and The Ugly” soundtrack was prominent in my childhood. Though it wasn’t on the radio, it might as well have been for the amount of times my family and I were subjected to hearing it.
One of the funniest things he used to do was pick me up from my sports practices blasting that soundtrack or “Sharp Dressed Man” by ZZ Top so loud that everyone always knew my grandpa was coming around to pick me up.
You begin to reflect and think about how much someone accomplished in their life, and my grandfather is one of those people. When I look back on his life, the music is one of those notable traits about him. I found myself making a playlist of all the songs that remind me of him.
My mom shared memories of the songs she remembers singing with my grandfather in her life. The memory she shared is when he took her downtown to see The Phantom of the Opera. Now, when she hears the songs from that movie, she remembers him and the memories connected to the music.
Everyone shared music that my grandfather enjoyed so we could all have a playlist to go back to when we’re missing him. “Everyday” by Buddy Holly was one of his go-to songs to feel happy and so was “Aloha Oe” by George Kulokahai since his favorite place to travel was Hawai’i.
If he was ever feeling groovy, there was no doubt he would be playing Barry White. “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love Babe” or “You Are The First, The Last, My Everything” were almost like his signature songs. It was almost a guarantee he would be dancing around too and surely my siblings and I would join him.
You underestimate how much power music holds on memories, especially when it’s all you have left. Now, I look at all of his vinyl records, CD’s, and cassette tapes and think about the life he lived.
I begin to reflect how much the music meant to him and now it holds different meanings. Listening to his favorite music is a reminder that his life lived to the fullest surrounded by the people he loved most.