By Alina Ball
Sometimes, I feel completely out of touch. (Picture me standing on my lawn, shaking my fist) Hollering, “You dang kids, get off my lawn!” The other day, as I was walking to class, I overheard someone say, “College is tough, but bet I am handling it. Gotta keep my drip fresh while flexing that rizz in group projects. Those all-nighters with coffee? Straight gas!”
I paused, took a deep breath, smiled, and nodded. That smile-nod combo? It has become my go-to survival tool in conversations like that. Mostly, I was relieved the person was not talking to me. I will admit – I had to look up a few of those words later. And just like Grandpa Simpson so wisely said: “I used to be with ‘it,’ but then they changed what ‘it’ was. Now what I am with is not ‘it’ anymore, and what is ‘it’ seems weird and scary. It will happen to you!” Ah, the circle of life.
But do you know what we have in common? Music. Sure, we might not be riding the same soundwaves or vibing to the same playlists, but we all have those songs that just hit the right note. So, let me introduce you to some artists your parents did not. Trust me, they are worth a listen.
My very first festival was at the Atlanta Speedway back in 1983, when I was just six years old. It was the Willie Nelson’s fourth of July Picnic, and my favorite band was there – The Stray Cats. They were the rockabilly revivalists of the 1980’s, blending 1950’s rock ‘n’ roll with punk energy. With Brian Setzer on guitar and vocals, Lee Rocker on bass, and Slim Jim Phantom on drums, they put out hits like “Stray Cat Strut” and “Rock This Town.” Seriously, give them a listen. They will make you want to grab a leather jacket and learn to swing dance.
Next, let me take you to the 1997 HFStival (which had an INCREDIBLE lineup) in Washington, DC, where I first saw The Squirrel Nut Zippers. This band is a wild mix of jazz, swing, and Southern Gothic flair. Formed in 1993, they really hit their stride with their album Hot in the mid-90’s. Their sound is infectious and unique, blending traditional jazz instruments with modern energy. If you are into eclectic, foot-tapping tunes, these guys are for you.
And finally, I could not leave out the one artist I never saw live but wish I could have – Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Born in 1915, she was way ahead of her time, blending gospel music with rock and blues long before anyone else. People call her the “Godmother of Rock and Roll,” and it is not hard to see why. Her influence runs deep, inspiring legends like Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley. Her guitar work? Groundbreaking. Her stage presence? Unstoppable. If you have not heard her, do yourself a favor and dive into her recordings.
So, whether you are chasing the latest trends, shaking your head at them, or just trying to nod and smile your way through the day – remember, we have all got our own rhythm. And occasionally, it is worth stepping back to appreciate the music that came before, even if it means admitting that maybe… just maybe… you have officially turned into Grandpa, or in my case, Grandma Simpson.
