Music and Speed
Pull up a chair and sit awhile
October 29, 2026
Dear Friend:
My appreciation of cars began when I was a teenager. I spent time in a garage working on cars with my sister and brother-in-law. There were many happy moments and a great deal of satisfaction in those days.
And, of course, there are the memories of riding in various muscle cars. You couldn't cruise “the Loop” without music playing and the occasional taunts of other muscle car owners challenging you to a race.
There is one particular song from those days that I still listen to: Maybellene by Chuck Berry, the man often called the Father of Rock and Roll. It was years before I realized the song wasn't just about cars. I am very good at compartmentalizing. I completely ignored the refrain!
Who could forget some of the other great car songs from that era?
Hot Rod Lincoln — Charlie Ryan
Fun, Fun, Fun — The Beach Boys
Little Deuce Coupe — The Beach Boys
Surf City — Jan & Dean
G.T.O. — Ronny & the Daytonas
Little Honda — The Hondells
No Particular Place to Go — Chuck Berry
Those songs bring back memories of a time when cars and music seemed to go together as naturally as a key in the ignition.
My brother-in-law had a red 1966 Ford Mustang, and I worked on that car, too. So when I think back to those days, I don't just remember the music and the excitement of cruising around town. I remember the cars themselves, the work we did on them, and the satisfaction of being part of it all.
Music is part of the fabric of our lives. We listen when we are relaxing, when we are working, and when we are driving. It can soothe our souls or give us an extra burst of energy. Sometimes we even listen to music to help us fall asleep.
I couldn't agree more that music is one of the joys of life. It accompanies us through different seasons, brings back memories we might otherwise have forgotten, and sometimes takes us right back to a particular place and time.
And, of course, it goes great with driving!
Until next time, stay well, stay safe, and stay connected to those you love.
Be well,
Emma
Emma is the voice behind Sharing with Seniors, where every story starts with a memory. Through stories of family, friendships, music, traditions, hometowns, and life's simple pleasures, she invites readers to pull up a chair, stay awhile, and remember the moments that have shaped their lives.