Sunday, November 8, 2015

* NOSTALGIC SUNDAY *

It's time again for another Nostalgic Sunday!



Those of you who've read my memoir may remember the chapter titled, "My Sister, My Mother, My Friend," which was about the death of my sister, Jo Ann in 1984, and how the death of Ray Charles in 2004 related to it.

When Jo Ann died, each of her three siblings: sister Marian, brother Mike, and I were given a few things of hers to keep. Somehow I was the one who received a large cardboard box of 33-1/3 record albums, and most of those LPs were Ray Charles records.



At that time I still had a turntable and speakers, and listened to records quite often, but hardly ever listened to any of hers. With each move Ron and I made, the box came along with us of course, and was stored in a basement or closet. As the years went by, I kept thinking I really should get a nice stereo system and play some of those LPs, to honor Jo Ann. I certainly didn't need to listen to them to think of her. No, that happened every single day.



More years went by and I even considered trying to sell some of them, but something inside me just wouldn't allow that.



Fast forward to now - November 2015. Just a couple of days ago, I noticed on a Facebook photo that one of my nephews had a cool looking stereo system and tons of LPs. Knowing his love of a widespread of music (he was in a band in Texas), I asked if he'd like to have some or all of Jo Ann's albums, as soon as I could get an inventory sent to him. Just from memory, though, I knew there were LOTS of Ray Charles albums. He is thrilled to have them, and others that I'll find when I dig through the box. I am so thrilled this all happened, and Jo Ann's records will stay in the family, and be listened to, and loved!


Postscript: I own a few Ray Charles CDs and listen to them mostly when speeding along the highway on a long trip! J



"I never wanted to be famous. I only wanted to be great." - Ray Charles

 

 

10 comments:

  1. What a nice thought that these records will still have life and purpose! I have a RC cd I have not heard for a while...need to dig it out! Happy November, Becky.

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  2. How lovely. You obviously kept them through all the moves for a reason. And to know that they will stay in the family and be loved is heart-warming.

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  3. Very cool, BECKY-O!
    I don't own any Ray Charles, but I definitely like some of his recordings.

    Glad to hear things have worked out and it's still... "All In The Family".

    ~ D-FensDogG
    'Loyal American Underground'

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  4. I appreciate Ray Charles as well.

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  5. I love this post Becky. The quotes are excellent, like little prayers i needed to hear today. It's so generous of you to give away those records. So nice that someone will be listening to them, and a faimly member at that.

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  6. My father had lots of LP's when he passed away and my three siblings and I listened to them as we prepared his house for sale and then divided them up between us to share them with our own families. I still share these LP's with my five children. Thanks for sharing this with your readers, Becky.

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  7. That's so awesome, Becky! Ray Charles was my dad's favorite. His music brings back a lot of memories.

    Pat
    Critter Alley

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  8. Hello Becky! It is lovely to visit you again. How are you doing? I hope your autumn is going well. I am back to blogging, at least as much as I am able. I missed you all!
    This sounds wonderful! How well that worked out : )
    Hugs,
    Terri

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  9. After a long and emotional year, I am trying to get back to blogging again. I have missed you!

    I think it's great that you kept those albums for all these years and that now your nephew will be able to enjoy them. It's such a joy to share with others!

    Blessings,
    Patti

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  10. I'm a big fan of Ray Charles. Thanks for sharing this!

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