My Global Music Autobiography
- Melissa Canales-Gonzalez
- Jan 7, 2020
- 2 min read
The way we identify with music differs from person to person. We were all not brought up with the same ideals or cultures. Some of us immersed in music through family members or joining music class while others just listened to whatever their hearts desired. Today I will share an introduction of my musical journey but how the cultures I grew up in have allowed me to be opened minded and grateful for music as a whole.
Before I get all formal and tell you a bit about the different music cultures that have impacted me, I figured it would be a grand idea to start with a little personal story. My mother always said that I was fascinated by music. Around the age of two, I was gifted a portable cassette recorder. Now, I obviously had no clue how to use it but my mother explained to me that I would waddle around singing whatever song it would play. The best part is that I actually managed to record myself singing onto the tape! To this day my family will still play my “remix” recording of the song to remind me of where my passion started. From there on my family made sure that I always engaged in music. They would allow me to join different dance clubs and music organizations throughout my public school years. I learned so much about myself but also my surroundings because of those experiences. I can’t thank them enough because, without them, I wouldn’t be sitting here sharing my experiences.
For most of my life, I grew up in the state of Kentucky where bluegrass and country music dominated. Kentucky natives Billy Ray Cyrus, Loretta Lynn, and Bill Monroe are just a few of the many globally known bluegrass/country musicians who have shaped the music industries in their personal ways. To this day I still remember how back in elementary school we would have local bluegrass bands come and perform for us. They would not only give a phenomenal performance but also educate us about its rich history and the significance of the instruments. Even though I personally don’t go out of my way to listen to this genre of music, I will occasionally listen to the song “Blue Moon of Kentucky,” to remind me of my roots.
On the other hand, coming from a Mexican household I was not only introduced to the music of Mexico but other Latin American countries. For a little girl who didn’t know how to speak English, Spanish music was my falling ground and reminded me why I wasn’t ashamed of my identity. Band groups like La Banda Machos and Vicente Fernandez filled the halls of my home and family get-togethers. Personally, though, I admire Mexican folklore music. Throughout middle and high school I was apart of a folklore dance group. Throughout the years I was able to learn more about where my parents came from and I got to wear some pretty neat costumes. Songs like “Las Alazanas” attempted to imitate animals in the form of dance while others like “La Bruja” just told a story. No matter the purpose of the song, these and many others will always be a constant reminder of who I will always be.
Well, unlike some of your other commenters, I DO like bluegrass! But then, it's a rare music genre that I don't find intriguing. I didn't grow up hearing bluegrass--not a lot of that in West Texas--and so perhaps I don't have the same associations as some other people. And the story of 2-year old Melissa and the Cassette Player is absolutely charming. :-)
I relate to how you said bluegrass bands would come and play for you in elementary school. Throughout grade school, a classical music group called the Upton Trio would come and perform for students. They also educated us on the instruments and music they played. I always really enjoyed listening to the music they made, though other students were more apathetic.
I am personally not a fan of bluegrass/country music, but I find it cool that you grew up with it and grew up with Mexican and other Latin American music. That's a really interesting blend, because they're both so different, although i'm sure there are some similarities.
That is neat that you grew up exposed to two very different genres of music. I do not have a particular fondness for bluegrass either, though the music theory that bluegrass musicians use is very interesting.
I think that blend of Latin culture and country music is very interesting; both genres have very distinct characteristics and some similarities as well. I’ve always liked how deep and expressive Latin music sounds, and I really like to listen to older country music as well. I recently watched a documentary on Linda Ronstadt who became famous for the wide range of genres she recorded. She has roots in Latin music and blended it with country later on in her life.