Music is more than just sound. It’s a time capsule, a storyteller, and a mirror that reflects our identity, struggles, and aspirations. Ask anyone about their favorite song, and they’ll likely share a memory, an emotion, or a life moment tied to those notes. For me, music has been a lifelong companion, evolving alongside my journey and shaping the person I’ve become. Let me take you on a walk down memory lane and share how music has been my guide, my comfort, and my connection to the world.
The Foundations: Oldies, Motown, and Rock ‘n’ Roll
My earliest exposure to music came from my mom and older brother. My mom was a devout fan of oldies. Growing up in the late ’80s and early ’90s, “oldies” meant the timeless tunes of the ’50s and ’60s. My childhood was filled with the harmonies of The Temptations, the infectious beats of Motown, and the unmistakable rhythms of legends like Bo Diddley.
On the other hand, my older brother was deep into ’70s rock—what we now call “classic rock.” From Led Zeppelin to AC/DC, my brother’s music collection was a treasure trove of powerful guitar riffs and anthemic choruses. These two influences gave me a rock-solid musical foundation, rich in both soul and energy.
I had no idea then, but these sounds would become my musical compass, influencing everything I listened to later in life.
The Columbia House Era: A Kid’s Musical Independence
The first time I got to choose my music was thanks to the infamous Columbia House catalog. You know the one—pick 20 CDs for a penny! My family was far from wealthy, living on food stamps and SSI checks, so this felt like a golden ticket to a musical wonderland.
The process was thrilling. Carefully selecting the tiny stamps of albums, sticking them onto the form, and mailing it off felt like a rite of passage. My first picks? Shaquille O’Neal’s Shaq Diesel (because who wouldn’t think an NBA player-turned-rapper was cool?) and WWF WrestleMania: The Album, featuring wrestling icons like Bret Hart and Macho Man Randy Savage. Cringe-worthy today? Maybe. But to 9-year-old me, it was everything.
Even before this, music snuck into my life in fun and unexpected ways. I remember Burger King’s Alf promotion, where they gave out hand puppets and thin vinyl records with quirky tracks you could play on a turntable. My childhood record player also spun 33 RPM discs of kids’ songs like Over the River and Through the Woods. These early memories weren’t just about music; they were about joy, discovery, and the magic of sound.
A Christmas to Remember: Alvin and the Chipmunks
Christmas of 1990 stands out as the best holiday of my childhood. Among the gifts—nine WWF Hasbro action figures and a wrestling ring—was an Alvin and the Chipmunks Christmas cassette. I played that tape non-stop for six months, soaking up every squeaky, festive note. Looking back, it was a simpler time. Entertainment was limited to free wrestling on Channel 11 every Saturday, playing with sticks in the yard, and whatever music I could get my hands on.
The ’90s: Hip-Hop, Puberty, and a Crush on Alicia Silverstone
As I grew older, my tastes expanded. A pivotal moment came when I stumbled upon Aerosmith’s music videos featuring Alicia Silverstone (Cryin’, Crazy). Like many teens, I had a huge crush on her, which led me to explore Aerosmith’s Get a Grip album. Around the same time, hip-hop entered my life.
I memorized Coolio’s Gangsta’s Paradise—a song so powerful it was everywhere in 1995. Living in Lynwood, California, during this era, I was surrounded by challenges. Our neighborhood was dangerous, with shootings happening regularly. But my mom, always resourceful, brought the community together with potlucks and music. She hired DJs to play in the apartment parking lot, sparking my fascination with DJ equipment.
To this day, I remember experimenting with wires and thrift-store stereos to create my own makeshift DJ setup. Music wasn’t just a pastime; it was a survival tool, a way to bring people together and make sense of a chaotic world.
The Teenage Years: Nu Metal, Dance, and Teenage Exploration
By the late ’90s, my music tastes were branching out even further. Bands like Limp Bizkit, Korn, and Deftones introduced me to the world of nu-metal, while Metallica remained a constant favorite. At the same time, I discovered deep house music, inspired by school dances and local record stores like Tuff Guy Records in Montebello.
Watching DJs mix live on Technics 1200s ignited a spark in me. I’d listen to Power Tools on the radio late into Saturday nights, dreaming of spinning tracks myself. Music wasn’t just about listening anymore; it was about creating and sharing.
The 2000s and Beyond: A Kaleidoscope of Sounds
As the years went on, my tastes continued to evolve. Hip-hop remained a staple, but I also embraced punk, ska, and alternative rock. Artists like Tupac and Biggie shared space on my playlist with bands like Green Day and Blink-182. I didn’t just listen passively—I actively sought out music that resonated with different parts of my identity.
Whether it was the raw emotion of Johnny Cash or the experimental sounds of Daft Punk, every song became a piece of the puzzle that made up my life. Music festivals, underground shows, and mixtapes became my way of connecting with others and expressing myself.
What Music Says About Us
Looking back, my musical journey is a reflection of my life. The oldies my mom loved taught me about roots and traditions. The rock and Motown from my brother gave me energy and soul. Hip-hop brought rebellion and storytelling, while dance music introduced rhythm and creativity.
Music is deeply personal, yet universally connecting. It tells our stories, reveals our emotions, and connects us to something bigger than ourselves. Whether it’s a cringey wrestling album or a timeless Motown classic, every song has a purpose and a memory attached to it.
Your Turn
What’s your musical story? Which songs bring you back to your childhood, your first crush, or a pivotal moment in your life? Music isn’t just entertainment; it’s a roadmap of our journey, showing us where we’ve been and where we’re going.
Take a moment to reflect on your soundtrack. What does it say about you?
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