For My Dad

On By Piano girl

My dad loves classic country music. Growing up, we would always listen to The Grand Ole Opry on AM radio, static and all. Sometimes, it would drive me crazy but thinking about it now makes me smile.

He also had quite a collection of 8 track tapes, all country, that we would listen to in his truck. Charlie Pride, Charlie Rich, Loretta Lynn, and Conway Twitty were some of his favorites. And though I don’t currently listen much to country music, I loved listening to it back then.

That love stemmed from two things. First, it was, and still is, great music. But more importantly, it was my dad’s music. And for that reason, it will continue to influence my life.

Music has so much variety, so many genres. Each new style influenced by the previous. Whether I like them all or not, I can appreciate them for their place in music history.

I have recently shared some recordings of myself playing favorites on the piano. They’ve included some Classical Scarlatti, Romantic Brahms, hymns and James Taylor. Honestly, no country songs crossed my mind…until now.

My mom called after listening to my latest recording. We chatted for a few minutes. As we were about to say goodbye, I could hear my dad in the background. My mom chuckled and said, “Dad says you need to record his favorite song.”

So, what is his favorite song? It is a piano solo recorded by country musician Floyd Cramer in 1960. If my dad ever has a music request for me, it is that song. I learned to play it years ago.

Why had I not thought to record this song already? I do not know.

Here ya go, Dad! ❤

Last Date

23 thoughts on “For My Dad”

  4. It’s a beautiful song, and you play it very well! Before now, I didn’t realize that Floyd Cramer was considered a country musician. My mother also loved country music. I remember the show with Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner playing in the evening on our old television…

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  6. blindzanygirl

    Oh how beautiful. I have just found your blog. You play so beautifully. I used to play the piano but can no longer since having cancer and going blind as well. It is so lovely to hear you play. I will be watching out for you playing some more. So glad I found your blog. It was your name, Piano Gurl that drew me. Lovely name

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  8. I love that song. I heard it on the car radio the other day and I had to pull over. It is perhaps my favourite instrumental piece of pop music ever, just inching out Duanne Eddy’s ‘Rebel Rouser’ and Link Wray’s ‘Rumble’.:)

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  9. This is a beautiful post! I love Floyd Cramer. I listened to him on the radio when I was a teenager and dreamed of playing like that. I never did learn piano, but I did learn to play the guitar. It is wonderful.
    Dwight

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  11. Such beautiful memories. Thank you for sharing them, and the lovely piano recording. I love the picture of you and your dad. My dad could whistle, and that is one sweet memory I have of him. My daughter whistles and I can’t make a sound come from these lips!!! I love hearing him in her!

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