In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Your Number One.”Number one
My late dad adored music so much that now when I think of music and him, I think that he might have had a secret desire to be an artist or a maestro.
He played a plethora of tracks from diverse artists that right from my toddling days I grew up to appreciate and have an ear for all kinds of music. What I fail to understand is why I cannot carry a tune to match my love for music 😦
When I use the word diverse, this ranged from classics such as: Hallelujah from Handel’s Messiah, music from Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, James Brown, Bob Marley, The Jackson 5, Miriam Makeba, Fela Anikulap-Kuti, Sonny Okosun Elvis Presley, James Last, Don Williams, Dixie Chicks, John Lennon, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Ray Charles, Diana Ross, Donna Summer and a host of others
I think the music that sticks in my heart, the track that evokes bitter-sweet reminisce of my childhood and which makes my heart swell in gratitude to the man that nurtured me is the Jim Reeves classic “We Thank Thee”.
This was played in our house very early in the mornings and almost served as our waking call. Whenever I hear this track play anywhere, it transports me right back to our old family living room. To the smell of Sunday breakfast of fried eggs and plantain.
My dad helped to form the love that I have for music and dance today.
To you daddy, I say thank you and I love you always. May perpetual light continue to shine upon you as you rest in peace.
Please take a moment and listen to Jim Reeves, We thank thee and Halleujah from Handel’s Messiah.
Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha
Dancing to the beat…
a cooking pot and twisted tales 
You remind me of when my Dad would drive me to work and he would play Cat Stevens, Tea for The Tillerman. Thanks, you invoked good memories.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Those are the best memories you know 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanking “thee” for this post “We Thank Thee.” It kick started my morning! The start of a new day. What a gift your dad gave you. Music, the language of the soul: appreciation and participation. xox
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes indeed it was a beautiful way to start my mornings. Thank you for your kind words and for reading. Regards
LikeLike
what a lovely post!! Such nice memories!
LikeLike
Your dad had great taste, thanks I haven’t listened to Miriam for a while!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful, up-lifting post Jacqueline. I loved the music and Handel’s Messiah is my all time favorite!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome Pam. It uplifts me too 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nostalgia is so sweet when you have great memories like these:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it is. Thank you for reading 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a lovely tribute to your dad and the memories you have of him. He sounds like a fun loving man! Music is magical. There have been times when I’ve heard a song and am reminded of times that I’d long forgotten. It’s quite amazing that one melody, one beat, or one lyric can bring it all back to the forefront of your mind.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He was a very lovely human and very handsome to boot too 🙂 Those little things really stick in our memories and just a tiny jolt, a warm rush of feelings and nostalgia come rushing to the surface. Thank you dear Tasha.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How lovely, I grew up listening to Jim Reeves as well:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
You too 🙂 That’s just lovely. These things do form a child’s memory and helps to shape their foundation. Thank you dear Khaya for reading 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for making it easy to go to Jim Reeves. I was not familiar with him; however I remember that he was a favorite of my family after I married and no longer lived there. I also love many kinds of music – many of your father’s favorites were mine all.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are a golden gem with excellent taste 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person