I've had a strong affinity for music since I can remember. My mother told me once that she would sometimes put a radio in my crib to help me settle down so maybe that's part of the reason. A few years later I discovered an old banjo in my grandpa and grandma's attic and strummed it any chance I could get. It belonged to my great grandfather and now hangs on my wall.
I started taking piano lessons when I was around 10, but also bought a new transistor radio which became my most prized possession. KOMA from Oklahoma City was my friend and singing in church was the best part of going. I still treasure the familiar hymns.
After my dad bought a television, we watched the Lawrence Welk Show, Hee Haw, Ed Sullivan, Sing Along with Mitch, and of course, American Bandstand. Later on I rarely missed an episode of the Smothers Brothers Comedy hour. The Beatles changed my life.
Subsequently I began collecting records, cassette tapes, and CD's, which number over a thousand recordings. I'll probably never listen to most of them again but can't bear to part with them.
My college roommate had a guitar and after I taught myself how to play "House of the Rising Sun", I was hooked. I bought my own a couple of years later but never really excelled until I retired and had more time. Then about 10 years ago my daughter bought me a really nice instrument, which prompted me to seriously focus on music by practicing, arranging songs, and jamming with others.
Now I'm part of a folk trio with a full summer of appearances scheduled and have never felt more gratified.
I, too, am exploring music (banjo) in my retirement and also grew up (in southwest Oklahoma) listening to KOMA. And, the Beatles changed my life as well. Thanks for writing.