My grandmother grew up in a musical home. She had a lot of siblings and her parents loved music. She said, “there was always a variety of music in my home: from R&B to salsa to jazz, we were always singing and dancing together; although, I never sung myself.” It is clear that music was a big part of her life and still is.

My grandmother also loved the piano. Although she never played an instrument herself, she always wanted to play the piano or violin. She also said, “I have no musical talent whatsoever! I can’t carry a beat or read a note! But even though I can’t play music or read it I can still dance with your grandfather (she said to me). We dance all the time even when there’s no music.” They used to listen to music on a record player, and soon after a cassette, and then CDs, and now an iPod or the computer. Music has definitely changed, but one of the biggest things that changed is the way in which we listen to it.

   As our technology gets more advanced and complicated, the way we listen to music gets easier. We used to have to go somewhere like a live concert to listen to music, and now we just click a button on our phone. And as the technology changes the music changes, too. I asked my grandmother what she thinks of modern day music. She gave it a thumbs down and said, “it’s not that I don’t appreciate it. I just don’t understand it.” This might just be the answer I will have if 60 years from now I get asked this question. But that’s one of the most beautiful things about music. It brings all of these different styles and different stories under one roof. Music helps people represent themselves and share their stories in a safe space.

Music is a big part of most people’s lives and daily routines. It brings people together and acknowledges their differences. So whether you’re in a good mood or a bad one, whether you’re happy or sad, music will always be there to lift your spirits and to show you how to make the best out of everything. 

One of my grandmothers favorite song is “The Greatest love of All” by George Benson  

Another one is “Overjoyed” by Stevie Wonder