It’s Saturday night, as I sit working on new cover designs, pondering and writing this blog, and listening to the radio with my mother-in-law. Spending the evening in front of the radio is something I haven’t done since I was a young girl.
South Africa always seemed to be behind the rest of the world. We only got television in January 1976. I was a teen of fifteen. Before then, home entertainment existed in the form of listening to stories and shows on the radio. It was great! Up until then, movies were only watched at the local drive-in theatre. Those were the days. I remember huddling under my mom’s legs beneath a blanket to get into the see the latest Dracula or Zombie movies—which I’m sure carried a sixteen age restriction at least. No doubt they paled in comparison to what people are exposed to these days (with barely an age limit), and yet, we still found them scary.
And romance? It was sweet, and innocent with not a shade of gray to be seen (unless it was a black and white movie, of course, which was often the case back then).
It’s been fun being sixteen again tonight, listening to the likes of It’s My Party and I’ll cry if I Want To, Love is a Many Splendored Thing, and You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman, amongst a myriad of other Golden Oldies. My absolute favorite took me back to my childhood, hot pants and the all-time No.1 song in my books, My Boy Lollipop. I’m so glad I did finally find My Sweet (that’s my term of endearment for hubby, or Sweetheart, or Sweetness), and he sure has made my heart go giddy-up. Gosh, I’d forgotten how much I loved that song.
Do you have a favorite Golden Oldie? My mom and dad’s was Forever and Ever. Noel, my hubby, and my special song is Moonlight Shadow by Mike Oldfield. We listened to it so much while we were dating, so it holds a special place in our hearts.
I asked my mother-in-law what her favorite was. All she could remember was that it was something by Perry Como. I quickly Googled the late artist to get a list of his songs. Many rang a bell with her—with me, as well—but we never did discover what that special song of hers was. Looking down this list, I realized I’d recently been listening to a few of the songs Perry Como had recorded, except it was Michael Bublé who’d entertained me with these songs over the past few months as I penned my Christmas novella, Poles Apart, currently available in the Best Selling box set, Snowflakes and Mistletoe. I think my family thought me certifiable…listening to Frosty the Snowman, It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas, and Winter Wonderland in JULY!
When Mrs. Brown You’ve got a Lovely Daughter came on the radio as I was finishing writing this blog, I squealed. And then jiggled. They certainly knew how to make music way back when. My brother-in-law and hubby soon joined us and out came the iPad, YouTube, and all their own favorite Golden Oldies—Cliff Richard, Neil Diamond, The Shadows—but it was definitely time to end the evening when Mr. Sandman began to play.
What a great evening we had taking a musical walk down memory lane.
USA Today bestselling author, MARION UECKERMANN’s passion for writing was sparked when she moved to Ireland with her family. Her love of travel has influenced her contemporary inspirational romances set in novel places. Marion and her husband again live in South Africa and are setting their sights on retirement when they can join their family in the beautiful Cape.
One of my fav oldies is “I Think I Love You” by the Partridge Family. Oh, my, what memories! :-)
I love Perry Como too. My favorites are Papa Loves Mambo and Wish Upon A Star.
I am a late 70s baby and I am not familiar with Perry Como but I do love oldies. I love songs to tells a story or just gives you goose pumps because they are That good. This new generation of songs I am very selective about what I choose to listen to.
Isn’t it wonderful how music sparks so many memories? The second you mentioned Perry Como, I was immediately taken back to my childhood. My mother always played Perry Como’s Christmas album. I still get chills when I hear him sing Ave Maria. I love that they’re using music to help Alzheimer’s patients.
I love the title of your novella, Marion..very cute!
I loved Poles Apart! My favorite Oldies are Monster Mash and May I Have this Dance for the Rest of our Lives. Not exactly from the same genre….
Ha ha, Melissa, I’d forgotten that song, but now it’s playing in my head!
I’m with Lee. Now I’m hearing it, too!
May I Have This Dance… Now there are some memories!
I love oldies so this was fun for me. I have always been a big Elvis fan.
Some of my all time favorite songs of his are: Always on My Mind, Can’t Help Falling In Love and Are You Lonesome Tonight.
Some other favorite oldies of mine are: Then He Kissed Me by The Crystals,
Time of My Life by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes and Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers.
I have Snowflakes on my Kindle to be read. Looking forward to reading Poles Apart.
Gosh, Perry Como was a real favorite of my parents. I remember he had a tv show when I was a kid. What a velvet voice. He had a Christmas special every year. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
Those walks down memory lane are always enjoyable. I certainly remember and was a fan of Perry Como’s. Some of the songs I think about are some of my favorites – Let Me Call You Sweetheart, It’s a Sin to Tell a Lie and Bicycle Built for Two. My sisters and my Mom and I always sang those songs when we were traveling.
I have two many favorites to list. I can’t choose just one. My playlist is made up of tons of oldies. I remember my dad dancing me around the living room while I stood on his shoes as “In the Mood” played on the phonograph. That dates me. :)
Thanks Marion for your reminiscent blog down musical memory lane. Even though living on different continents and different countries, the experiences are similar. My parents did not get a TV until after I left home and was married in 1973. I remember all the oldies mentioned. Thanks for sharing and your novella Poles Apart is my favorite in the set. A special thanks to your family who had to listen to Christmas music in July. Best wishes as you go down memory lane.
I just finished reading Poles Apart. Excellent!!! I would definitely recommend that whole set. I really enjoyed every story. I’m an 80’s baby, and I didn’t really listen to a lot of music or watch movies; however, my parents and grandparents got me hooked on Old Time Radio. Now I have my kids hooked on it!! We have a good laugh at some of those old commercials that come on.
I can’t specifically list a favorite golden oldie, but I can list some favorite artists. I love Patsy Cline, there’s something about her voice :-). Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Glenn Miller, and a few others I can’t remember! These were WELL before my time, but I just love the music of the 40’s to some of the early 70’s! Music was music back then, you could understand every word & the beat would get you moving on the dance floor….lol!! Big Band or Swing music especially….I think I was born in the wrong era….haha!! The swoony voice of some of the male artists, now I could fall in love with just their voice :-)
Thanks for going down memory lane with music today, Marion! I got quite a few songs stuck in my head :-)
I’m about to spend an hour or more searching for old songs on the Internet! Thanks for bringing some of those titles and artists to mind and jolting my rememberer. Feeling nostalgic!
I’d forgotten about the Partridge Family, Melissa … uh-oh, I think I hear a tune playing in my head, too :)
I guess I must love Perry Como, as well, Patti … I certainly remember all these songs.
They certainly don’t make music like they did way back when, although there are a number of the latest hits that often invade my mind, Kaleen.
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Thanks, Jill. They say smell is the sense most linked to memory, but I’m certain that hearing is a very close contender for that title.
So glad you enjoyed Poles Apart, Katy. If you get a chance, I’d love you to post a review on Amazon and Goodreads (once I publish it independently … hopefully this weekend). I had so much fun writing it, and even more researching it. Yep, I jumped in the avanto (promise!).
Ooh, goosies on all those songs, Nancy. Hope you get to Snowflakes and Poles Apart soon.
Glad you enjoyed the journey, Sharon :)
They certainly are, Ann. Amazing how a song can just wash away the years :)
LOL, Merrillee, seems there are many of us here than can consider ourselves, dated. Dancing around standing on Dad’s shoes … wonder if men still do that?
Ah, maybe we’re not so behind the times this side of the world, Renate. So glad you enjoyed Poles Apart so much. I’d love you to pop a review on Amazon and Goodreads once I publish it independently (I’m hoping to do so over the weekend).
Oh, Mandi, I do love those exclamation marks!!! So glad you enjoyed Poles Apart. Please consider popping a review on Amazon and Goodreads when I publish independently (soon…). Good on you for getting your kids hooked!
The music of yesteryear certainly does get your feet tapping. Oh yes on those voices :) It certainly was fun taking this music memory walk … thanks for joining, Trixi.
Enjoy the search, Diane. Hope the post gave you a little kick start on your search.
Aaaaah Marion , how I enjoyed your blog. I could just imagine you and aunt Coralie. Your blog look me down memory lane too, and I remember how I used to as a teenager (you a little pipsqueak) lie and listen to LM Raidio from Mozambique every Sunday night, for the “top 20” Some of my favorites were Wild Thing, Fox on the Run, Leader of the Pack, Sunglasses, Ietsie Bietsie Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka dot Bikini hahah so many, and yes Moonlight Shadow will always remind me of your and Noel’s dating days… Oh the joys of being Big Sister. Well done on the new Box set, I am so proud of you and love you always xxxx
Lyds, I’d totally forgotten the Yellow Polka Dot Bikini … great reminders there. Of course, our favorite one that will forever hold the most special place in our hearts is, Forever and Ever. Love you, sis.
Love me tender, love me true . . . :-) Enjoyed your post, Marion
Thanks, Shirl. And that’s another great golden oldie there :)