Listening to music transports me to a fantasy place unlike any other. You know how it is when you get into your music. It stirs up love, happiness and a little bit of giddiness.
Old Records Photo © 2013 by Pat Ruppel
I found myself doing that today, getting into my old music and dancing around the living room. It’s funny how music can do that for you no matter what generation. It brought back old memories and good feelings.
My music basically comes from the ‘60’s and growing up in the Philly area we were privy to Dick Clark and “American Bandstand”.
I remember my sister and some friends going on the show one day. She said the “regulars” were there and they all danced in a small room. That’s what surprised her most was the tiny dancing area compared to how it appeared on television.
Back then, local churches would open their doors to teenagers for dancing every Saturday night ― they were called “canteens”. Now and then, they would invite a new artist. I remember Bobby Vinton came to one of our canteens and sang, “Roses are Red (My Love)”. I have to laugh when I remember how all dreamy-eyed we were and how we instantly “fell in love”.
One summer in the late ‘50’s, I remember going with my sister and her boyfriend to Atlantic City. I was 6 years younger than her and not yet a teenager. We went to see Elvis Presley on the boardwalk bandstand. I remember her 6’4” boyfriend hoisting me up on his shoulders because the crowd was so tight and I couldn’t see over people’s heads.
I can’t tell you what he sang. I just remember the music and how good it felt listening to it. The bandstand was quite a distance from us so you couldn’t see him real well. Just the fact I was on the boardwalk, with the smell of salt water in the open evening air listening to Elvis, live ― I couldn’t get any closer to heaven than that.
It probably hasn’t changed much today, watching the kids scream, getting excited over their favorite singer or band. You can see them getting into it every bit as much as we did in our time.
They are good memories and now I mostly hear these songs in commercials. They say you can’t go home and that’s especially true for me as my old high school and old homestead have long been torn down. But, as I sit here today cataloging these old records, all it takes is one little tune and I feel like a teenager again. It’s just as real as if it were yesterday.
Here are some of the old 45’s I was listening to ― Enjoy and have some fun! Maybe they’ll take you back too!
“Close Your Eyes” by The 3° Degrees on Swan label
“Dirty Water” by The Standells on Tower label
“Sea of Love” by Phil Phillips on Mercury label
“Sunny” by Bobby Hebb on Philips label
“I Knew You When” by Billy Joe Royal on Columbia label
“Rag Doll” by The 4 Seasons on Philips label
“Rescue Me” by Fontella Bass on Checker label
“God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys on Capital label
“Time Won’t Let Me” by The Outsiders on Capitol label
“Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers on Philles Records
“Summer in the City” by The Lovin’ Spoonful on Kama Sutra label
“Baby Love” by The Supremes on Motown label
And, of course, I couldn’t forget to include a couple of Elvis Presley songs on RCA Victor label ~~ “(Such An) Easy Question” and “It’s Now or Never”
Pat from the ol’ kitchen table
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This is such a lovely post. I can remember these songs/records and in my case and the Friday night dances at our high school gym. How the boys would be on one side the girls on the other, all wondering who would be brave enough to ask for the first dance. Aw, the memories.
Hi Susan – thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed the read and it brought back good memories. I remember those school dances and everyone was shy except for the girls dancing around with each other. The canteens were different and the boys and girls danced together more.
It was fun. I felt like a kid again dancing around the living room to these old tunes. It felt so good. 🙂
Have to see just the sight of those records took me back to my childhood……………….I have always loved my music
Me too, Joanne. I remembered just how much today just going through and playing them. Thank you for stopping by and I’m glad you enjoyed the read. 🙂
Oh boy, this post brings back some great memories! Yes, I recognize many of the songs on your list. My good friend Carol used to visit with her box of 45s and we would practice our jive steps before going to the dances. My favorite jive song: At the Hop! I saw Elvis live in Buffalo, at one of his last concerts before he died. I took a photo of him and even managed to get an identification patch from one of his roadies…both are in my collection still. Thanks for the memories Pat!
Thanks Bev. I’m glad you enjoyed it and the memories. Now, we hear these songs in movies or commercials. I wonder how kids today will remember their songs in 50 years. 🙂