Sunday, February 14, 2010

The Andrews Sisters, Tino Rossi and More!

Yesterday as Caroline and I drove around we listened to Tino Rossi, a French singer. The music was made from an LP from the 1930's and made into a CD. Caroline said, "Interesting music, Mom."



Here is Tino Rossi singing in Spanish, "Besame Mucho." (Kiss me a lot)

It is interesting music. It takes me back to my childhood. I'd love to invite you to join me for the stroll.

Before I was born, my mom was an independent 20 year old woman from a wee little town in Mississippi finding her way in the big ole city of Birmingham, Alabama. She got a job and rented a room in downtown Birmingham from Money and Mac McFarland. Money and Mac lived in an old rambling Victorian house with a sprawling veranda and a back porch used to shell beans.

After Mom and Dad were married and had my brother and me, we would visit Money and Mac on Christmas Eve or Easter. Mac would tell how we couldn't go in their basement as there were alligators down there. Mac had lost a finger in an industrial accident years before, but he always told us one the alligators had bitten it off. We had to wonder.

Every now and then my brother would go exploring upstairs to the bedrooms. The whole house was filled with antiques (I guess largely because Money and Mac were old!)

At Christmas time we'd visit them and they would have an LP playing on their old Victrola. Either the Andrews Sisters, Tino Rossi or some other mellowed singing voices would fill their wonderful old home. Mac would take Money in his arms and dance with her around their grand living room. Then my Daddy would take Mom in his arms and join them. I felt as if I was witnessing a wonderful magical spell. If I dare moved...or breathed... the magic could dissipate and like a bubble would pop and be forever gone.

So, yes, I enjoy listening to vintage music as I'm taken back to some wonderful memories of my childhood.

You know, I never did see Money or Mac's basement. Mom told me after I was an adult that she thinks Mac may have had a still down there.

Whooee!!
Lila