I recently purchased the “Three Bells” album by the world’s top three Dobro players, Mike Auldridge, Jerry Douglas, and Rob Ickes. This was recorded a short time before the passing of Mr. Auldridge. Knowing that this was going to be the final project for Mike, the songs and instruments were selected after careful consideration. There were no other instrumentalists involved, just the three Dobroists. I feel confident in predicting that the final product is destined to receive many honors and become a musical legacy for their respective families.
Another album I downloaded this past Monday is Mac Wiseman’s, “Songs from My Mother’s Hand.” At age 89, I would venture to say that this would also be his final project. Though not as vibrant as it was in his prime, his voice is still strong and beautiful. As the title indicates, the songs were selected from his mother’s handwritten notebooks, songs that had special meaning to her. Some of the titles are: Little Rosewood Casket, I Heard My Mother Call My Name in Prayer, Put My Little Shoes Away and my personal favorite, Will There Be Any Stars In My Crown. I think this is a wonderful gift that Mr. Wiseman has given us and will be a legacy for his family.
Like many of you and Mac Wiseman’s mom, I also have many notebooks filled with song lyrics. Several of them are handwritten but most of them are now in three ring binders, typed and printed in large font. Some of my friends have scanned their songs onto iPads using the OnSong App. It puts their songs in digital format, provides the chord progressions and gives them “hands free” scrolling while they are performing. They don’t have to worry about the wind blowing the pages or having to carry bulky notebooks. I personally prefer to commit my favorite songs to memory but occasionally need to refer to my books. I doubt that my kids will be as appreciative as Mac Wiseman of the songbooks I leave behind.
As I was listening to these two new releases, (the Dobroists and Mac Wiseman) I began thinking about my father, a logger whose life was cut short at age 29. Since he died when I was three, I have no recordings or memories of his singing and playing the guitar but I know from family stories that he was a good picker and singer. There have been many times I wished that there were easily accessible recording devices around when he was alive. I wonder what songs he would have chosen to record? I know that he loved Jimmie Rodgers, and I guess that’s the main reason I have many of Jimmie’s songs in my own repertoire. All of this makes me ponder my own musical legacy.
If I were to record some of my favorite songs for my family and friends, I would have to put some careful thought into the song list. I would want them to be songs that have a good message or bring cheer or provoke some thought. My list would have to include the song, “My Best to You,” which is the only song I remember my mother singing.
My best to you, may your dreams come true
May old Father Time never be unkind
And through the years, save your smiles and tears
They are souvenirs; they make music in your heart
Remember this, each new day’s a kiss
Sent from up above with an angels love
So here’s to you, may your skies be blue
And your love blessed, that’s my best to you
I like that line about our smiles and tears being souvenirs that make music in our hearts. We sing about things that make us both happy and sad, if we’ve lived through them, we can sing them from our heart.
My recording would also have to include a Jimmie Rodgers song or two, for obvious reasons. Like the Mac Wiseman album and The Three Bells album, I would also want to include my favorite Gospel songs. I have two all time favorites, one is called “I’d Be a Fool to Turn Back” (I heard Lulu Roman sing it years ago) and “This World Will Never Hurt Me Again,” which I learned from an album by Betty Jean Robinson.
A couple years ago, I had a young nephew who was in the last stages of a battle with cancer. I had no words that could adequately convey my love and sorrow for what he was going through so I did the only thing I know to do when words fail me. I began recording some videos of songs that I thought would minister to him and those closest to him; his wife, mother, brother, aunties and uncles. One particular song that he liked was, “Jesus Hold My Hand.” This is a song that reminded him that that we are never alone.
How about you? Have you made any recordings for your family and friends? Do you think it’s a good idea? What songs would you choose for your recording? I’m thinking that this is a project that I should get to work on soon while my voice is still strong and my memory is good.
See you at the Fall Camp-Out in Lodi, Lord willing.
