by Donna Carroll Batton

Created on: October 31, 2008

Music has a way with me. It's not enough to say I love music. It's a part of me, of who I am. Ever since I was a very young girl, music has had a great influence in my life. People don't know this about me because I never developed my love of music in a creative way. But it's always there, in the background.

Some people have natural rhythm. Others are said to have "two left feet" or no ear for music. I can honestly say, without bragging, I'm one of the folks who have rhythm in my soul. There is nothing that affects me more than a tune with a good beat.

I grew up in the 50's and 60's, experiencing the birth and growth of rock and roll in all its glory. I remember when the sounds coming from the radio changed from ballads of love and catchy, faster lyrics to music with a definite beat and lyrics that didn't always make a lot of sense. I loved it all. My best friend and I attended all the area's dances and considered ourselves to be great jitter-buggers. That was back when you could tell who was dancing with who as you actually held hands when you gyrated around the dance floor.

This era also brought the advent of transistor radios. Thus, wherever I went, my music went too. My secret idol was Connie Francis. I would put her recording of "Stupid Cupid" on my record player (I know, that dates me) and I'd sing along, at the top of my lungs.

If I were in an adolescent, melancholy mood, Pat Boone, Johnny Mathis and a host of other crooners would sing me through my daydreams of love and happiness.

In my grammar school choir, I prided myself on being one of the few who could and would hold the long notes for the required amount of time when singing Christmas hymns in the class play. I took my music very seriously.

Today music is still one of my passions. I love musicals and concerts and spend much of my summers, with my husband, at outdoor concerts. When going to the annual county fair or other summer festivals, we never fail to stop and listen to whatever band is entertaining. I own an extensive collection of CD's in a variety of genres, from classical to rock, from soul to gospel. About the only type of music I don't like is rap and heavy metal. I'll admit that my age might have something to do with the fact that these last two types of music give me a pounding headache.

Music can also alter my mood. If I'm feeling a little down I've only got to put on some upbeat music to bring me back to a happier state of mind. Certain lyrics or dramatic chords can bring tears to my eyes. I even tear up at the National Anthem.

And, the true give away of an avid music connoisseur is to watch them during a concert or other musical performance. I once attended a Garth Brooks concert with my daughter, her best friend and her friend's mother. I was completely blown away by the fact that the latter never moved a muscle during the concert. She sat there, like a statue, smiling, but otherwise unmoving, during the entire evening! And there I was, bouncing all over the place and so hoarse when it was over I could barely talk. I literally find it impossible to sit still when listening to a good beat. I'm either tapping my feet or, when driving, drumming my fingers on the steering wheel. I find it amazing when other folks don't feel it too.

It's too bad I never pursued a musical career of some kind. I often think that I would be perfectly happy doing anything connected to music, even playing the triangle or helping the band to set up. But, alas, the time has passed for me to be a music star. I'll have to content myself with listening and being both excited and soothed by the notes caressing my aging ears.

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