Last month, we learned from some of our responders that music is a meaningful part of their lives. In part two, we hear other perspectives. Enjoy this additional exploration of the musical journey through our colleagues’ unique viewpoints.
In this column, adopted from the familiar “Heard on the Street” format, we offer our responders a chance to answer the question posed in the title. These are their replies reported verbatim.
Classical, Classic Rock, Christian & More
Music has been a large part of my entire life. I started playing piano in first grade. I begged to quit, but my mom held strong. (Thanks, Mom, for not letting me quit.) I continued lessons into college and obtained a music minor. During college I found myself during stressful times (like finals week) headed to the piano practice rooms to play Lorie Line to relax. To this day, during times I need to clear my head and relax, I either sit down to play Lorie Line or stream her music on Spotify.
Abby Thurston
Rural Computer Consultants
Bird Island, Minnesota
I love (love, love) the Beatles. One of my earliest memories is of singing ‘Yellow Submarine’ with my parents; my admiration grew from there. Their albums have been part of the soundtrack of my life and will always be.
Jessica Johnson
National Propane Gas Association
Asheville, North Carolina
Since I am a child of the 60s, classic rock is my genre of choice, which provides an emotional outlet that can reduce stress, enhance your mood, motivate you and touch your soul. Incredible musicians like the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Jimi Hendrix, Elton John, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen and many more created music that turned them into cultural icons that became the voice of the people. Many find classic rock as a form of medicine, a comfort and a happy place that creates a personal connection, a sense of belonging, rebellion and nostalgia. ‘We Are the Champions’ by Queen is a motivational one, as is ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ by Journey. ‘Stairway to Heaven’ by Led Zeppelin and ‘Let It Be’ by the Beatles are both uplifting and philosophical. ‘I Won’t Back Down’ by Tom Petty is an empowering anthem about standing up for oneself. ‘Free Bird’ by Lynyrd Skynyrd is a song I’m sure we have all shouted out in public. When I have Pandora or Spotify on, random songs will pop up that immediately bring me back to an actual time, place or event in my life. I’m sure you can all appreciate classic rock’s incredible power not only to inspire, but to motivate and even provide emotional support. Time for me to pull up my 100 Essential Classic Rock Hits and go back in time.
Jerry Schimmel
P3 Propane Safety
Cumberland, Rhode Island
As a professional musician, this question is a tough one for me! Music is my passion, and I love to share music with people. I love playing music live. I have been lucky to perform with hundreds of people everywhere. My favorite genres are jazz, blues, classical and good rock ’n’ roll. Jazz inspires my mind with creativity and possibilities. The free-flowing improvisation is usually unique and is filled with emotion. Blues is pure emotion. Listening to blues can make you feel good or melancholy. Classical music relaxes me most of the time. I have great appreciation for music that has lasted hundreds of years and is still impressive. Rock ’n’ roll is a part of my history. You hear a song that reminds you of a certain period of your life or specific event that can trigger emotion as well. Growing up in the 60s and 70s, there are legendary songs that do this. Every person has a favorite song or band, regardless of genre, that they love for whatever reason. I have a few that make me cry every time due to a personal memory. As a performer, I love making people feel good about what I am playing, whether it is in a band or solo. For the last several years, I have been fortunate to perform the national anthem several times at sporting events and other venues all over the country. I have played at major stadiums to tens of thousands of people. My reward is when a veteran hears me and thanks me with a tear in his eye. That is pure emotion and magical. Music touches the soul. It is healthy and can lift you up when you need it.
Ed Varney
Topline Management
McKinney, Texas
There isn’t a specific genre or song that inspires me, but music plays a huge part in my daily life. We always have music on in our house and in the car. I have playlists for different moods or energy that I want to embrace. There are also songs and playlists from different times in my life that I listen to when I’m in the mood to tap into those feelings or remember special periods. A few of my most listened-to playlists are ones with songs that remind me of fun times and events with my husband, Dave, a playlist of songs that remind me of my pregnancy with Chaz and his memorial service, a playlist of favorite 90s hip hop songs, and an everchanging playlist called ‘Clark Kids,’ where the kids add their current favorites.
Lauren Clark
Berquist Inc.
Toledo, Ohio
The music genre that inspires my life is contemporary Christian. In my life filled with responsibilities and deadlines and our world filled with uncertainty, it is refreshing to hear music with positive, encouraging lyrics. It’s great to be reminded that God is for us, that He guides and leads us through this journey that we call life. Christian music ushers in the peace I need.
Julie Johnson
Ted Johnson Propane
Baldwin Park, California
I listen to all types of music depending on the mood. I don’t think any type of music or artist would inspire my life since I tend to listen to music based on beat and rhythm rather than the lyrics themselves. I typically listen to classic rock and will put on some tunes from Van Halen, Black Sabbath, AC/DC and others to get the juices flowing while trying to knock out a report or presentation.
Sam Fung
Emerson Fisher LP Gas
McKinney, Texas
The answer to your question is ‘many.’ Looking back, I can think of several periods in my life where different genres of music inspired me, starting with Polish-style polka as a tot, because that’s what my dad and extended family were raised on. Then the Beatles and rock ’n’ roll hit the scene, and everything changed. Instead of wanting to play the trumpet in a polka band, I yearned for a guitar to play like those rock ’n’ rollers. That bug never left me, and I still jam with my brother and others in bands on the South Side of Chicago. I’ve enjoyed various genres since those early days, including Motown, blues, southern rock, acoustic folk/rock, country and even classical, to name just a few. Recorded music has always been a mainstay in my life, to the point that hearing — just hearing — a word or phrase will often trigger a song in my head.
Bruce Swiecicki
National Propane Gas Association
Tinley Park, Illinois
Music Stirs the Soul & the Pen
To find a common chord amongst our music-loving responders has been uplifting — even inspiring to the point of more exploration on my streaming apps and considering developing a playlist for different moods and emotional needs.
