A Tribute To My Father

In 2003, just before my Father died from lung cancer which spread to his brain, he made a list of all of the music he wanted to listen to before he died.  When he compiled the list he had terminal brain cancer and knew his days were numbered.  He had spent time in a mental hospital for brain cancer induced mania; his handwriting and mental skills were deteriorating; but he still knew what fucking music he wanted to hear; Amazing.  I think I remember him mentioning the list to me.  I believe he was going to give it to a friend of his who owns a chain of music stores.  I’m thinking he probably didn’t since there’s no pile of Cd’s left at my mothers house.  Either that or his ‘buddy’ never delivered.  Regardless, it’s only now, 5 years later that I’m able to read his list, which I found at my mothers over the weekend.  I’m posting it here for posterity’s sake; a compilation of musical favorites from a man who spent 30 years in the Record Industry.  It’s a long list, presented with my comments in parentheses, in the order in which he wrote the songs and artists down .  A tribute to my dad.

I love you.

The List

Sounds Of Silence
Jerry Lee Lewis – Greatest Hits
Tommy – Have Cassette
Burt Kaemfert – Wonderland By Nine
What In The World’s Come Over You? – Tom Scott?
Beach Boys – In My Room
Beatles Hits – Vol. Including You’re Gonna Carry That Weight
Billy Joel – Hits
Elton John
Jim Croce
Peter Paul and Mary – Greatest Hits
“Dear One” Male Sinper
“Starman” – Complete Records – 1980
4 Tops
Ronnettes Hits
Men Without Hats
Fine Young Cannibals
Duke Of Earl
Shop Around
Roy Orbison Hits
Elton (Strike through Duplication)
Stones
Eagles
(Illegible)
Du Prees
Y.M.C.A.
Eagles – Hits? (Duplication)
Everly Brothers Hits I and II
Springsteen
“Time to Sat Goodbye”  (REO Speedwagon?)
Graduation Day Song
Singing The Blues – Guy Mitchell – 1951
Flats Domino – Hits
Glory Of Love
24 Hours From Tulsa
Vinton Hits
The Band – Best Of w/ “The Weight”
Mommas and Pappas – Best Of
Bee Gees – Best Of + Odessa + Others
Whiter Shade Of Pale
House of The Rising Sun
Donovan Hits
Sister Golden Hair Surprise /  America
Vali – Hits
Steppenwolf – Best Of
Canned Heat
Mamma’s and Poppa’s w “Love From My Window” on it (Duplication)
You Cheated, You Lied
Donnie Iris – 1st (First Album)
Meatloaf – #1 (Number one Album – Bat Out Of Hell)
Saturday Night Fever
Theme From Flashdance
Lettermen – Best Of
ELO
Neil Diamond
Supremes
Martha and the Vandellas
Little Eva
REM

(There are more I’ll post later)