A Lifelong Journey with Music: From Early Learner to Elderly Performer
Music has always been a part of my life, from my earliest days when my mother introduced me to the joy of singing to my late years when I continue to perform on various instruments. My journey with music began long before I realized it would be a lifelong passion. Let me take you through my musical journey.
Early Beginnings with the Double Bass
My musical journey started quite early as a child. At the age of six, I began teaching myself to play the double bass using a cello that my cousin gifted me. The cello was tuned to a double bass tuning, which allowed me to play along to the jazz on the radio in Luxembourg. Playing along to the music was incredibly exciting. I soon outgrew the cello and, at the age of 11, when I joined my secondary school orchestra, I got my first real double bass.
My passion for music did not end with the double bass. I have also played cello and, more recently, the piano. Currently, I play the double bass and bass guitar in a country punk rock band, and I have been playing the guitar continuously since 1965. Even at the ripe age of 74, I am still performing and learning new instruments.
From Percussion to Guitar
During my teenage years, I was also captivated by percussion. In the 1950s, Latin American music and dance were popular on television, and I dreamt of playing congas, bongos, and timbales with a frilly shirt. My sister, who was nine years older, was a professional chorus dancer and skater and often dragged me into helping her with her routines. This early exposure to music set the stage for my future career.
I attended a rough secondary school in 1959 where I had the opportunity to play the tenor drum and bongos as part of a school band. However, our music teacher, Mr. Percy, was tragically murdered in the playground, which put a temporary end to our music lessons. But that didn't stop me. In the music cupboard, I found a drum kit, and I learned to set it up, teaching myself to play drums.
In 1964, I attended a local club to watch the Rolling Stones perform. Charlie Watts, the drummer, mentored me, and soon I was playing drums in various bands all over London and the home counties. A girlfriend of mine persuaded me to attend a folk festival where I saw an American singer-songwriter guitarist perform. This experience inspired me to learn the acoustic guitar. From there, I progressed from playing repetitive blues in E to joining acoustic bands and playing with various styles like Bluegrass, where I had to learn to play mandolin and Dobro. I eventually formed duos, trios, and Bluegrass bands, and now in my 70s, I sing and play at my own club and on YouTube, and I still teach music.
The Influence of My Mother
My love for music is deeply rooted in my childhood. My mother had a beautiful voice and would sing the pop songs of the 1950s as she did the housework. Her talent was spotted, and she performed solo parts in West End concerts in the 1920s and 1930s. Tragically, she was involved in a horrific accident where a truck ran over her, severely injuring her jaw, teeth, and digestive system. She spent over six months in the hospital and the Sunlight Laundry paid for her medical expenses before the NHS was established.
Despite the pain and limitations, my mother provided me with a significant early influence and fostered my love for music. She believed in my potential and encouraged me to pursue my musical dreams, even if it meant facing challenges. Her love for music and her resilience continue to inspire me.