I recently listened to an audiobook narrated by Smokey Robinson where he reflected on his journey through life and the role that music played on that journey. Wow! What a fascinating journey! He spoke of his childhood and all the musical influences he was surrounded by in his neighborhood.  The other children in the neighborhood that he grew up with, children that grew up and made the music we all love from that era. It was interesting, listening to him talk about their childhood and the childhood games they played. Childhood games that were peppered with music. Music they were surrounded by or music they generated in the moment. He spoke about how some of his most well-known songs came to be and what life experiences inspired the titles. A legendary era of music, birthed out of neighborhood influences, experiences, friends, and the natural gift of music and writing.

Most of us have a favorite song or songs and can remember where we were or what we were doing when we first heard those songs. Some legendary musical icons have been labeled as one who makes “baby making music.” Now some of you can probably name your child(ren) after one of those songs with the smooth, soulful sound, the beauty of the acapella, the instrumentation, the lyrics! The songs of that era told a story, took you on a journey, or shared with you what it was like to be in love. The songs of that era had live musicians, the violins, the bass guitar, the saxophone, the harp! The melodic sounds just gave the music another layer of depth and beauty that can’t be captured in digital technology. And let us not forget those stereo speakers that gave that bass line, a thumping groove on some of the more “funkier” sounds. Somehow, you just don’t get the same feeling listening to those songs on an electronic device but I’m just speaking for myself. The craft, the soul of the music! What an era!

The unsung heroes of that era are the songwriters, the individuals who, may not have sung the songs themselves. The creative writing that they brought to the table, skyrocketed through the artist who ultimately recorded the beautiful lyrics.  

The music of that era spoke to the social consciousness of the times. The interesting thing is that some of those songs still resonate and are so relevant today Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” has remained relevant throughout the decades as it seems, every decade we are scratching our heads and asking the question “What’s Going On?” He told us “war is not the answer” yet hear we are, years later, wars later…  “when will we ever learn (Where Have all the Flowers Gone-Pete Seeger)?”

I am Paula G Voice! I am a sagacious independent lifestyle influencer. I am embracing my own journey and sharing experiences along the way. I am challenging dreamers to do the same by breathing life into their deferred dreams and living out the reality! It is never too late to embrace your journey and live your dreams! Visit Paula’s Blog at www.paulagvoice.com for the full journey.

Sagacity Speaks!