Music Memories: Interview with my father

Born in 1956, my father was only 11-years-old when the Janis, Jimmy and Jefferson Airplane literally set fire to the fairground stage in his hometown of Monterey. The only thing he recalls was a swell of young people my late grandfather called “rabble rousers from San Francisco” who in his opinion needed “a kick in the ass from the 4^th division”.

Sixty-seven was personally historic point in musical history for my dad—it was the year he purchased his first record player. For the following two or three years he listened to primarily Motown. Some of his favorite artists were girl groups, such as The Supremes, as well as The Temptations and The Jackson Five.

By the time my dad was in high school he was turned on to Santana--a gateway to other rock musicians, such as Eric Clapton, Chicago, Cream, and Creedance Clearwater Revival. He held a special affinity for Bay Area bands, including Creedance Clearwater Revival, Jefferson Airplane and in particular the Doobie Brothers, who he’s seen live four times. He brags that he once partied with band member Brian Johnston backstage at the Catalyst in Santa Cruz.

When it comes to that decisive query—Beatles or The Stones—my dad rolls with the Stones. In fact, if he could choose one band to see live it would be The Stones, with The Who close behind (Tommy is one of his favorite films). He has been to some great concerts, the B-52s and Devo being two of the most memorable. The greatest performer he’s ever seen? Frank Sinatra.

The most recent concert my dad attended was this year’s Monterey Jazz Festival, but when it comes to radio, he’s still tuned in to classic rock stations.

My dad and I have a lot of commonality in our ardor for good music, but what I find most remarkable is our shared interest in supporting local music.