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Musical Inspirations
For
Old Kids!
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"Elaine"© by Mary Beatty
During my teenage years every free minute was spent at the old upright piano. Mom, Dad and my two older brothers and I could harmonize to the old Gospel tunes – one tune after the other – together! Those lyrics are still deeply embedded in my memory and sustain me during tough times even today.
My Dad had a gift for music. He could play the harmonica and he could “gitpick”, but the mandolin was our favorite instrument to listen to. My two brothers each played guitar and had fine voices. We all played “By Ear With Heart,” I like to think. We sang specials at church and at the big Camp Meeting. Being known as “Cox’s Army” always made our Mother beam!
But during our fun practice sessions at home we had to face our live clapping audience of five brothers and a little sister! They would often hold their noses and roll on the floor, jeering and laughing when our Mom struggled with one tune in particular, He Bore It All, with its choppy chorus. That did not make our Mother smile – until she finally got it. They cheered heartily over Jericho Road.Through those teenage years of musical togetherness THIS is how I thought our instrumentals sounded.
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I still treasure my musical heritage and it is as much a part of me as art. I often regret that my children and grand-children haven’t been afforded this privilege of knowing the old tunes, especially the hymns. Many of our churches today have laid aside the hymnal and are enjoying the praise and worship songs on the overhead screen.
CAN’T WE HAVE BOTH?
“Oh, come on, this is TODAY!” the Youth insist!
“And that’s fine, Dears, but please don’t let those oldies die!”
As we have all heard it said, ”Everything Old Is New Again.” With a single instrument – Keyboard, Organ or Guitar – and some computer technology, an old hymn can sound new, like a several-piece band.
The purpose for this page is to resurrect some of the old tunes, both the sacred and the lighthearted. We’ll go back, together, to the “Good Old Days” of Southern Gospel and the Church Hymnal - giving proper credit, always! We will revive some of those old faded lyrics and sing along! Or, if you prefer, just sit back and listen to the music as I share with you some of my artwork!
SELECTIONS(All "*" songs are played by J. Stark.)
*In The Garden
God Will Take Care Of You
How Long Has It Been
When You Pray
What A Friend We Have In Jesus
*Precious Memories
*Whispering Hope
Original Painting: Elaine
© By Mary Beatty
24" x 30" Pastel on Museum Board
Model: My Niece, Elaine Cox Barber
Collection of Biff and Elaine Barber
Tulsa, OK
Please take a moment and sign my Guestbook!
Background Music: Blessed Assurance
Midi Sequencer Unknown
(Back to Jim's Music Selections!)