The Influence of Music

by Magdalena Morales

My whole life has incorporated the love of music. There isn't a day that goes by without it in my life. I inherited this love from both my parents.

The story of my pop and music begins at a young age where he lived with ranchera music at his home.

His love grew when he learned to play the trumpet. He played in the band. He began as a freshman in high school and in college he played in the football band. He played with a nightclub combo in Montecito near Santa Barbara doing old standards such as Solamente una Vez, Besame Mucho. Songs he still loves to this day. He stopped playing when he contracted tuberculosis and was in the sanatorium for two years. It was when he was in the hospital that he learned to love the Mariachi which to this day is his favorite.

After he returned to the University of Southern California (USC) he began his love affair with Cuban music especially Machito. He would go to the nightclubs and dance to his music. Years later, when I rented “Buena Vista Social Club” for him, he would be visibly moved and transported back in time by his favorite music and the musicians of his age.

Out of the time at the nightclubs came his venture to Los Angeles' Central Avenue, the African-American jazz capitol. He was friends with the Honorary Mayor of Central Avenue, Osven Mosley. I found a picture with him and Lionel Hampton who he later reconnected with at a State Dinner. My pop was hip and I didn't even know it until recently. I still have a hard time believing my pop hung out there. I also realized that my pop was comfortable with other ethnic groups and loved to learn from others. Time and time again he would talk about learning this or that from the Jewish community (he collaborated with the Jewish Federation in the 70's) or the African-American community. He was very progressive for the era. I find it amazing how music can transcend anything.

Of course, he loved all the 40's music such as Tommy Dorsey and Harry James. He was a great fan of Lalo Guerrero. My mom and pop would go see him on their dates and early in their marriage. Also, we both love the great Duke Ellington for who he had a great admiration.

As he got older he settled in to Los Panchos, Pedro Infante and Antonio Aguilar. My pop must have a romantic streak in him with all those romantic boleros!

Eager to incorporate his love for the arts with the advancement of the Mexican American, He had a short stint as an agent for Latino musicians and actors. It was short lived but a great learning experience for the future. He would be surrounded by musicians, actors, and artists in support of MAOF later in his life.

Once he started MAOF, he created a Mariachi band of retired musicians as part of the senior program. It was genius. They played for community events for many years. I think it was one of my pop's many personal triumphs. He brought the mariachi to entertain people from all over the country. CEO's, politicians, actors, funders, supporters, and journalists (check out the photo gallery for more info); he'd win the world over with music. He was always careful to make just the right selection for the individual person.

His last great discovery was the harp, Jarocho music. Our dear friend Javier Godinez, who we lost a few years ago, played with the mariachi and many events. Unfortunately, I am unable to find any recordings of Mr. Godinez' wonderful music.

Finally, my pop created trips to Mexico for the MAOF board members and guests. He loved all the music that came from the different states of Mexico. Over 25 years of traveling to Mexico, he visited states as diverse as Jalisco, Michoacan, Veracruz, Guanajuato, D.F. , Oaxaca, Aguascalientes, Puebla, Zacatecas and Yucatan. He really loved all of the diverse music, dances, architecture and food. He really showed his pride in the Mexican Culture – its beauty and diversity. Today he tells young people to be proud of their roots and understand Mexico has an amazing culture.

I still hear certain songs and think of my pop setting a mood with a mariachi song, a bolero or a ranchera.

I've included a list of music. Some of his favorites and some of mine. I hope you enjoy it as much as we have in our life.