For this blog, I'm interviewing my Grandmother, Sarah Elizabeth Aycoth Carter who recently turned 90 years old. I'll be asking her the interview questions we jotted down during class, in order.
Here it goes!
What is your earliest musical memory? Church choir. New Hope Methodist church. Born April 1932. I was about 10 or 11 when I first started singing in the choir. I sang in the choir till I was about 18 then went to work. I used to sing to my mother on the front porch. My Uncle Zeb said to turn that radio off.
What are the earliest artists or styles you remember listening to? I used to listen to Kate Smith. She used to sing to the soldiers during WWII. One of the songs she'd sing was America the beautiful. I used to try to sing like Kate. People said I kind of sounded like her. She sang kind of like an opera singer too.
What kinds of songs resonated with you when you were younger?. I can't remember the names of em... There used to be a lot of Christian songs on the radio I'd like. I guess didn't have a favorite particular one. I liked gospel songs. Oh yeah, Were you there? When they crucified my Lord (We then sing it a little together just then.)
Did you listen to mainstream music or something else? I don't listen to very much music now, but I like to watch songs during televised church on Sunday morning... but I haven't listened to any this Sunday morning.
Did the style of music you listened to influence other areas of your life, like how you dressed or who you hung out with? I didn't hang out with anybody because I had to stay home to take care of my mother. She wasn't able to get up or feed herself for as long as I can remember. A woman named Lily Ross helped take care of my mom too when I went to school when I turned 6 years old. I was in 11th grade when Lily left and got married and then I had to take care of my mother by myself.
How did your parents feel about the music you listened to when you were younger? Mother liked music, she used to play the organ and the piano and the guitar. She used to sing. She had a nice voice-When she was able- before she had a stroke. But I wasn't there then- it happened when I was still little. I wasn't old enough to remember this is based off what I was told. My daddy's brother Sam Aycoth played the piano for the church choir at New Hope.
How did you listen to your music? What kind of technology did you use? Back then there was no tv, so I'd hear her on the radio. I'd hear music at church if it wasn't the radio.
How has change in technology changed what you listen to? TV came out in 1952 - but we didn't have a tv until I got married and my husband and I got a TV. Muntz TV was the name of it. Tutti Fruity came out later on and I liked that (She demonstrates by singing and I do a google search and found the song she remembers- Instantly she gets up and starts dancing)
Where did you listen to your music? Usually church or at home on the radio
What kind of concerts did you go to in high school or later? What were they like? No I didn't get to go to any concerts. I was too busy
Did you ever learn an instrument? I tried to play the piano but I never had lessons. I could play a little tune by ear though but not much.
Why did you choose that instrument? I always wanted to take piano lessons but never could go anywhere to get lessons.
Did you like it? I loved piano I always wished I could play piano.
Or did you sing in a school choir? What was that like? Or church choir? What kind of music did you have at church? Organ, piano, guitar. (refer to question 1)
Did your musical education affect what you listened to? No, I never had any music lessons I just listened to what music was around me at the time.
What kind of music do you listen to today? Has it changed over the course of your life? I don't really know the name of the songs but I usually listen to the radio- whatever the music they have on - hillbilly music. I liked bluegrass music. I like most any kind of music, I like Christian music, Country music, Gospel, stuff like that.
What is your favorite album? I have some albums... They might be in the closet in here. I can't remember where I put em. I can't remember the names of em' right now.
What is your favorite music from a movie? I used to listen to movies on the radio... They'd play music from movies on the radio back then.
Is there a special song that helped you get through a rough time? Not especially, I've heard lots of music growin' up.
Is there a song that brings back a specific memory? No. I can't remember
Is there a song that you find yourself humming or singing in the shower or something like that? I don't sing in the shower. I hum in the kitchen or when I'm in the garden. Usually, gospel songs.
Do you and your spouse have a special song? No. He used to make fun of me singing. William did. Make fun of me. I used to sing songs - a lot of songs at home... All of those old songs I forgot.
What do you think about the music kids listen to today? Well, I think it's too much vulgar language in it. Some of it can be OK, I guess it depends on what it is.
What do you think of my music? I think it's good to hear you singing the Christian and Gospel songs you sing.
What music do you suggest I listen to? There's so much I can't remember...Gospel and Christian music, some Country music, hillbilly music, we mentioned bluegrass too. That's all good stuff to listen to.
If you could make the world listen to one song, what would it be? Well, there's too many good songs. Oh...How great thou art! (She starts singing)
"Oh Lord my God
When I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds
Thy hands have made
I see the starsThat's a pretty song. Billy Graham used to have a lot of that music on his program. I like Billy Graham.
Thanks for giving me your time, Grandma. "Oh I got plenty of time, that's all I got right now"
Your Grandmother seems like such a sweet lady! I love reading about her experiences with music and how much Christian music has meant to her all of these years.
ReplyDeleteWhat a noble lady. She seems very cultured and I feel like you could learn a lot from her.
ReplyDeleteHey Jake! Your grandmother sounds like a really cool person to hang out with! I feel like there is a lot to learn about her and her music preferences. I loved listening to the musical selections in your blog!
ReplyDelete