Ah,1971. A great year for wines and a high school student like myself. Our family had just moved from the city to the suburbs the previous year and I was still trying to assimilate into the culture. They say music opens a lot of doors and hearts and that was certainly true in my case. Being a new girl on the block was a bit intimidating but then Carole King came along. In the cafeteria one day, a new acquaintance stopped by where I was sitting, practically breathless with enthusiam. "Have you heard the new Carole King album, its awesome"! I said I hadn't, we chatted a bit, me becoming impatient as I was off to talk to some musicians I had recently met to start the interogations about this woman who had obvious talent, and who I knew little about. The day was life changing for me. I found out about Carole King, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell et al. King's music paved the way for me to start conversations with people I wanted to get to know as we shared common, sacred ground. Her music was therapy that didn't cost more than the standard price of the album. She sang what we felt, what we wished and hoped for and at times eased our pain. It was a comfort to know that in her elevated and creative state, she felt what we felt, we all were sisters. Many years later, I had surgery for cervical cancer scheduled and found out she was coming to Philadelphia on the same day. I proceeded to cancel the surgery and bought tickets to the concert for myself, my young daughter and my sister. I had missed her so many times before and was bound and determined to go see her if it was the last thing I did before I died (literally!). We went to the concert and I can't remember any part where my eyes were dry. King sang like an angel, had amazing possession of every musical instrument she touched and even in middle age exuded the same spiritual aura and physical beauty she carried as a 20 year old! I returned home that night, a high school student in my heart and mind. Full of hope, encouraged and renewed I rescheduled my surgery and had Carole Kings tapes at the hospital to help speed my recovery. The med students and my attendings loved the music and I was out in record time. This 19 years later and cancer free since surgery, Carole King's videos, DVD's, old tapes and a few pictures adorn my sacred spaces in house. When I need to go "Up on a Roof", it is she who accompanies me. I play her music and am transformed. It can take me out of a funk, make me dance or still bring a tear to my eye. My husband (not as big a fan as I) had the great fortune to see her at a political fund raiser a few years back. He came home energized and beaming to tell me the news that he had met her(a suprize appearance). He could finally appreciate my respect and love for her music. Needless to say when Carole King music comes on the radio or TV, we both cast each other a knowing look and then go back to her,mesmerized.
ladyfinz (anonymous) says...
Ah,1971. A great year for wines and a high school student like myself. Our family had just moved from the city to the suburbs the previous year and I was still trying to assimilate into the culture. They say music opens a lot of doors and hearts and that was certainly true in my case. Being a new girl on the block was a bit intimidating but then Carole King came along. In the cafeteria one day, a new acquaintance stopped by where I was sitting, practically breathless with enthusiam. "Have you heard the new Carole King album, its awesome"! I said I hadn't, we chatted a bit, me becoming impatient as I was off to talk to some musicians I had recently met to start the interogations about this woman who had obvious talent, and who I knew little about.
The day was life changing for me. I found out about Carole King, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell et al. King's music paved the way for me to start conversations with people I wanted to get to know as we shared common, sacred ground. Her music was therapy that didn't cost more than the standard price of the album. She sang what we felt, what we wished and hoped for and at times eased our pain. It was a comfort to know that in her elevated and creative state, she felt what we felt, we all were sisters.
Many years later, I had surgery for cervical cancer scheduled and found out she was coming to Philadelphia on the same day. I proceeded to cancel the surgery and bought tickets to the concert for myself, my young daughter and my sister. I had missed her so many times before and was bound and determined to go see her if it was the last thing I did before I died (literally!). We went to the concert and I can't remember any part where my eyes were dry. King sang like an angel, had amazing possession of every musical instrument she touched and even in middle age exuded the same spiritual aura and physical beauty she carried as a 20 year old! I returned home that night, a high school student in my heart and mind. Full of hope, encouraged and renewed I rescheduled my surgery and had Carole Kings tapes at the hospital to help speed my recovery. The med students and my attendings loved the music and I was out in record time.
This 19 years later and cancer free since surgery, Carole King's videos, DVD's, old tapes and a few pictures adorn my sacred spaces in house. When I need to go "Up on a Roof", it is she who accompanies me. I play her music and am transformed. It can take me out of a funk, make me dance or still bring a tear to my eye. My husband (not as big a fan as I) had the great fortune to see her at a political fund raiser a few years back. He came home energized and beaming to tell me the news that he had met her(a suprize appearance). He could finally appreciate my respect and love for her music. Needless to say when Carole King music comes on the radio or TV, we both cast each other a knowing look and then go back to her,mesmerized.
On Reweave some 'Tapestry' memories and win
April 26, 2008 at 12:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )