Music & Family
Music & Family
Over spring break, I was able to interview my Mom on her music beliefs and taste! I had a great time coming up with different questions and finding out some information about my mom that I had never heard of before.
Some background information on my mom! Her name is Jill McKinney and she grew up during the 1970s in the state of Michigan. In her young adult years, she moved all over the place such as Indiana, Arizona, Georgia, and then to the great state of South Carolina. Her parents also moved down to South Carolina, where they opened a restaurant on a lake. My mom worked at the family restaurant where she met my dad! My Dad was born and raised in the South, so he influenced her a little with country music.
Our interview took place one morning when we sat at the kitchen table and discussed everything about music and my mom.
Starting out I just gave my mom an overview of some of the questions I would be asking, and how her responses were completely based on her experiences alone.
Here is a video of The Partridge Family Band in 1970
Jill: "In seventh grade, I was a big fan of the band called Bread".
Grace: "Bread" lol
Jill: "They played really kind of romantic, kind of sultry songs and then Rod Stewart was really happening. In my later teens, I was more into Rock N Roll. I listened to Boston, Kanas, Sammy Hagar, and Eddie Van Halen".
Here is a video of Bread the band playing one of their top hits:
Grace: "Growing up in your childhood, Who was your favorite singer and/or band"?
Jill: "Fleetwood Mac, I liked their vibe and they were just my style"
Here is a video of Fleetwood Mac: One of the best songs ever!
Grace: "Has your taste in music changed over the years"?
Jill: "Yes, nowadays I listen to more mellow music like country rather than rock".
Grace: "Do you think that is because you moved from the North to the South"?
Jill: "Yes, absolutely. The north is more rock and roll and the south is country".
Grace: "What is one genre of music you love? What is one you hate"?
Jill: "I love country music, it hits all the basics. I do not like bluegrass and I do not like head-banging music such as heavy metal".
- My mom loves Morgan Wallen and his voice!
Grace: "Growing up, What did your parents think of the music you listened to"?
Jill: "They thought it was silly" Laugh out Loud...
Grace: "Did you listen to that type of music (rock) because your older siblings listened to it"?
Jill: "Yes".
Grace: "What kinds of music did your parents/grandparents listen to?
Jill: "Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Tammy Wynette, Kenny Rodgers".
Dolly Parton and Kenny Rodgers Duet:
Grace: " How did you listen to music at home? What did you use"?
Jill: "We used an 8-track player. We had a record player but it wasn't the best. The needles always broke".
8 Track player:
Grace: "Do you remember your first concert? Who did you go see"?
Jill: " I do, for my first concert, I went and saw The Gatlin Brothers. I was fourteen and it was not a good time. I was with my parents".
* She laughed during this last part and gave me the motherly stare, so I knew to continue with the next question.
Grace: "If you could share ONE song with me, what would it be"?
Jill: "I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack. It's just a good song, you just hope everyone has those opportunities in life. Honestly, all the songs we sing at Church too".
I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack:
Grace: "Do you have any last remarks about music in general"?
Jill: " Well, to be honest, I do not like music that much. I would rather just be quiet than listen to music. I like listening to talk radio in the car, I don't listen to music".
Grace: "Why don't you like listening to music"?
Jill: "Too much repetition, the same songs are played over and over. I've just never been a music person. And I'm not really sure why".
Grace: "Well, what do you think the definition of music is then".
Jill: "Music is entertainment. Music is something that helps you choose a mood".
Grace: "Well, you just pulled a shock of the century with not liking music, I've never known this before. But, thank you for letting me interview you, I learned a lot about you and our family. I hope you start to like music more".
We both laugh for a long time after this and I am thankful for this moment that we shared together.
I learned so much about music in the 1970s, about how music can change in different locations, how music has changed over the years, and how my mom is probably the only person who admits in a music interview that she hates music.
Even though I interviewed my dad our parents shared a lot of similar music and I feel like we had some pretty similar responses. I'm saying it's because they both have lived in the south. My dad also talked about 8 tracks like your mom and personally I think they're really cool, no matter how many times I get told they always broke.
ReplyDeleteI had a lot of fun reading your conversation with your Mom. I never knew a band named "Bread" existed, but now that I do I will be checking them out! I was also surprised that she stated she didn't like music, but I can understand her reasoning.
ReplyDeleteI found your blog to be very interesting, one thing that stood out to me was when your Mom said that she doesn't like music because of how repetitive it can be which is very understandable.
ReplyDeleteHi Grace :) I really enjoyed reading your interview with your mom! I found it interesting how she's not much of a music person. My family and I are the complete opposite - none of us could live without music. However, your mom's reasons for music "not being her thing" are totally valid - music on the radio can get very repetitive and boring, very quickly.
ReplyDeleteI loved how you did your interview lay out. It was really easy and simple to follow with what was happening. I also liked some of the questions you asked her.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your interview! My parents both had very similar experiences, as they were both into rock when they were younger and their parents much preferred classic country. I was surprised to hear that she wasn't much of a music person! I feel like I've never really heard anyone say that, but it probably has to do with the company that I keep as an avid music-lover from a family of avid music-lovers.
ReplyDeleteI love the song “I hope you dance.” It is so sweet!! Overall, I loved reading this interview with your mom. I didn’t know most of the songs mentioned: however, I enjoyed listening and learning about them.
ReplyDeleteHey Grace, I loved reading about yours and your moms conversation, I also love to listen to Fleetwood Mac, and Dolly will always be my girl when it comes to music. Great job on this blog.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I agree with your mom's statement on how repetitive music can be sometimes. Most popular songs follow a certain theme. But hey, clearly the world loves listening to it.
ReplyDelete