Q
Tell me a little bit about yourself?
I am blessed to be married a beautiful, feisty little French woman who constantly covers my back. I have three loving children ranging in age from 24 to 38 years old. I’ve had three careers including Financial Services, Manufacturing and now, Senior Care. Ever since I was a little child, I have taken well to seniors in my family and they always singled me out amongst my siblings. I can remember when my grandmother and Great Uncle and aunt would give me two pairs of socks or handkerchiefs for Christmas when my siblings received only one – man did I feel special. So, here am I serving many seniors even as I have now joined their ranks.
Q
Tell me about your radio background?
As a pre-teen, my friend Rust and I made regular visits to WEET and WLEE radios stations in Richmond. We could watch the DJ’s through the glass window and we hoped they would invite us in to say a word or two. That never happened so it’s absolutely fantastic to have that dream come true on ‘A Senior Moment’.
Q
What is it about radio that is appealing to you?
I think the mystery of just hearing the voice is really special. In contrast to today’s ‘virtual reality’ radio leaves a bit to the imagination and, in that sense, is more personal. When I was a Commodity Futures broker back in the late 70’s and into the 80’s, I had clients in other states and even overseas. Too many of them, I was just a voice on the phone; I had never seen some of them face-to-face. I think I gave ‘good phone’; I think I have a good voice and sometimes – perhaps – its best left just there – the voice.
Now, what I’ve just learned is the special place for ‘community radio’. I love listening to Robin and Frederick. That is true ‘community radio’. It’s live, its authentic and fun. I especially love the gentle ‘banter’.
Q
Why do you love music?
Music is soothing; it can be cheerful enough to kick you out of the doldrums or out of your routine. In my profession, we often use music to soothe our clients. Music and pictures provide almost universal stress release for seniors, especially those who are cognitively impaired.
I love to dance and can even be found dancing in the streets when I hear good beach music. You just have to dance, dance, dance.
Q
Are there any music experiences you would like to share,
such as a concert that sticks out in your mind,
or meeting a favorite singer/songwriter?
That’s a great question for me. I attended the Beatles concert at Shea Stadium during their final tour in the States – cool experience. I also met Sinatra at a movie premiere in NYC. Unfortunately, I didn’t find him particularly friendly. Somehow, when I was about 18, a bunch of us got backstage at a Simon and Garfunkle concert in NYC. We didn’t get to speak with them, but we got very close. Otherwise, I attended plenty of concerts during my college years. One of my favorite groups that I saw regularly was Bill Deale and the Rhondels and I just saw the group recently at the Boys and Girls Club/Kilmarnock; you have to dance to this music – gotta dance.
Q
I find that people really connect to music because of a memory a song can evoke.
Please tell me the following:
What is your favorite song?
How the Heck can you pick one song? I think Clapton’s ‘Wonderful Tonight’ is right up there. How about the Rhondel’s ‘May I’ for dancing in the streets? Finally, I sing in a choir and my favorite anthem is ‘May They Be One’, an Anthem based on the 17th chapter of the Gospel of John.
A favorite song from childhood?
Mr. Grump and the Dingle School Band
Favorite love song?
Wonderful Tonight
Favorite song to dance to?
I’ve been Hurt – Rhondels
Favorite Disco song?
On the Radio
Q
What is it about music, particularly oldies music, that moves you?
Gosh, the emotions and memories that ‘oldies’ evoke are such a pleasure. You feel like you’re there; it takes you back. Remembering that High School girlfriend, that college weekend.
I remember the song ‘Jose’, a song from the mid-sixties. At the time, I had a huge crush on a classmate. This song was very popular and, as it turned out, the crush was unrequited. Melissa was in love with a guy named Jose and, to my dismay, that became her song.