Heartache Tonight…

Growing up I was exposed to different genres of music. Every Saturday morning my neighbor across the street propped his mini radio on the nail he had attached to the underside of the front porch awning. The sounds of Motown and funk music filled the air as he tended to his lawn and plants. I believe it was then when the trumpet became one of my favorite instruments to hear in a song. It was when Tower of Power came on the radio and “You’re Still a Young Man” played that I stood still as the trumpet burst through the radio speakers. It was the most exquisite sound. I closed my eyes and my tiny head moved back and forth to the melody. Then later I made out to that song a great deal of times. I continue to stay still every single time I hear the opening of that song. This morning it was anounced Mic Gillette the founder and trumpeter of Tower of Power has left the planet and is now part of another angelic band.

My most favorite era are the 70’s and 80’s. The music was so damn good. I remember when MTV began and I became glued to the television and discovered New Wave music and David Bowie. MTV played him a lot. I desperately wanted a pair of red shoes and I did sway in the privacy of the bathroom as I took a shower. “Let’s Dance” and “Modern Love” where enough for me to want to change from being Mexican to a white girl. NO JOKE. There is a family friend who to this day still calls me “Gringa”. He very much remembers my “phase”. David Bowie, the man that caused my identity crisis is now swaying with the angels.

The Eagles were magical to me. They were a crush that I never, ever let go of. For a long time I didn’t know if they were classic rock, country or folk. What I did know was I liked them and their style. They were the soundtrack of my childhood. Then as teenager at parties or in the backseat of my boyfriend’s car or falling asleep to them as I cried over a broken heart. I always felt the group represented California and they belonged to us. When I was young I recall hearing they were going to perform at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. This was the early eighties and I remember thinking I couldn’t wait to be old enough so I could see them in concert and I promised myself to make it a priority to attend as many times as I could. And I did. The Eagles continued to stay with me. As an adult they became the soundtrack of my marriage. My husband is a giant fan. Together we saw The Eagles perform countless times and it turned into our tradition to see them every time they performed. In 2012 we saw Glenn Frey perform solo at the gorgeous art deco Wiltern Theatre and in 2014 we were in attendance as they re-opened The Forum. It was my all time favorite concert of theirs. They asked the audience to put away cell phones. Everyone respectfully did and in return The Eagles presented the audience with an intimate story of every song prior to performing it. It was enchanting to say the least. Yesterday when I learned of the news I was crushed. I felt it was unreal and unfair. Glenn Frey was a part of our marriage. Our heart ached last night. Fly on eagle fly on…