Brad’s Music Room From the Beginning

This is my first share “From the Vault.” It was the first post I ever wrote and appeared March 14, 2014, three years ago today. After eight more months in beta test mode, Brad’s Music Room went live, Thanksgiving day 2014.

Back then, I wasn’t sure what I wanted my blog to be. I wanted to share my love of music but I wasn’t quite sure how to do it. Everything was new. In the early days, I spent my time learning WordPress, designing my site, and exploring ways to build posts with meaningful content. I decided to include a little trivia about the music in each post and this became my tag line, “Music With a Dash of Trivia.” As the site evolved it became a forum for me to share my faith. This has filled my life with purpose. I thank you, my faithful followers, for your continued support and encouragement.

In 2014, I also had reasonably good use of my hands and fingers. I keyed the majority of my posts, although much of my key entry happened using a hunt and peck technique. As the ravages of MS continue to strip me of the use of my hands I am very grateful for dictation software and the assistance of my dear friend Denise Webb. I will continue sharing my love of music and my journey of faith as long as I can. Peace be with you.

Listen Like it’s 1973

I grew up in the  ‘60s and ‘70s and believe this is one of the greatest periods in the history of music. These were the decades of classic rock, folk music and singer/songwriters. As I write this post I hear Bob Dylan’s The Times They Are a Changin’ in the background. Who could have known in 1965 it would prove to be so prophetic. I grew up listening to bands like the Beatles, Crosby Stills and Nash, and the Eagles; and singer/songwriters like James Taylor and Jackson Browne.

The music during this time was incredible, but I am most grateful for how we listened to it.  Music was a shared experience that required active participation. When we were not home listening to music we were at the record store. This was a great place to hang out, listen to new releases and talk with employees and other customers. We had to listen to a song multiple times to really get to know it in intimate detail. One time we would focus on the lyrics, the next time we would listen to the bass line, percussion, lead guitar, etc..  We researched the biographies of our beloved artists and the meaning behind our favorite songs. Perhaps most importantly, we found great joy sharing our findings with each other. That’s why I’m starting this blog. I have no experience with blogs and don’t know where we will go, but I am excited to embark on this journey. I hope you will join me. Comments are encouraged.