Letter: "Memories are made of this" (Printed May 11, 2007)
Editor:
Having enjoyed your [column, Jersey Tawk, “Gimme some of that old time music”] in the May 4 issue, I was reminded that each generation had its characteristic popular music usually established in its youth. I’m pushing 86, putting my youth in the World War II period. Some years ago I gathered up some of my old records and taped them. Now and then, in a nostalgic mood, I get it out and play some of it, usually bringing the tears.
One selection has the power to bring that whole era back to me, Glen Miller’s “Moonlight Serenade.” It never fails. Some others that bring back the great memories are Fred Waring playing “Younger than Springtime,” Sinatra singing “Just for Now,” and Peggy Lee going all out in “Just One of Those Things.” Then on the gentle side, “I’m Glad There is You.” To a soldier, some of the songs from the musical, “New York, New York” were full of meaning, especially the title song and “Lonely Town.”
The summer after the war, I spent at the University of Paris and picked up some of the popular songs there, especially Trenet singing “La Mer,” and Piaf with “La Vie en Rose.” I can’t forget Dietrich singing Lili Marlene, a song as popular with German troops as with American. There were others, but I finish with “Some Enchanted Evening,” from the musical South Pacific, as sung by the retired opera singer Enzio Pinza, for she gave it a special pathos.
So, Mr. Peck, when 50 years from now some teenager contronts you with, “Man, did you really like that stuff?” You needn’t be upset. It would be just in the nature of things.
Ed Richardson
South Portland
Having enjoyed your [column, Jersey Tawk, “Gimme some of that old time music”] in the May 4 issue, I was reminded that each generation had its characteristic popular music usually established in its youth. I’m pushing 86, putting my youth in the World War II period. Some years ago I gathered up some of my old records and taped them. Now and then, in a nostalgic mood, I get it out and play some of it, usually bringing the tears.
One selection has the power to bring that whole era back to me, Glen Miller’s “Moonlight Serenade.” It never fails. Some others that bring back the great memories are Fred Waring playing “Younger than Springtime,” Sinatra singing “Just for Now,” and Peggy Lee going all out in “Just One of Those Things.” Then on the gentle side, “I’m Glad There is You.” To a soldier, some of the songs from the musical, “New York, New York” were full of meaning, especially the title song and “Lonely Town.”
The summer after the war, I spent at the University of Paris and picked up some of the popular songs there, especially Trenet singing “La Mer,” and Piaf with “La Vie en Rose.” I can’t forget Dietrich singing Lili Marlene, a song as popular with German troops as with American. There were others, but I finish with “Some Enchanted Evening,” from the musical South Pacific, as sung by the retired opera singer Enzio Pinza, for she gave it a special pathos.
So, Mr. Peck, when 50 years from now some teenager contronts you with, “Man, did you really like that stuff?” You needn’t be upset. It would be just in the nature of things.
Ed Richardson
South Portland
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