Top 10 bands that influenced my life

OK, this is not a best bands list. This is a list of the most influential bands in my life. Bands that my parents infused onto me, bands that I chose for myself and bands that were just there at the right time. Second disclaimer: remember I am only barely over 40. So bands like the Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Elvis Presley are not on this list, but if I was making an all-time great list they would be. So here we go …

3 Dog Night. Although I have very little recognition of this memory, only a few pictures passed down over time, I am told when I was very young, before I could even crawl, my mom would put the big 70s style headphones on me as I was lain down in front of the stereo. Many bands and artist were fed into my ears and I seemed to enjoy them all, but 3 Dog Night was my favorite, so I am told, and still today, I enjoy it.

Meatloaf. OK, I know what you’re saying: The only place Meatloaf should be is on a plate with mashed potatoes and gravy, but my family was obsessed with Meatloaf, the band not the meat. I can remember the whole household rocking “Paradise by the Dashboard Lights” and everyone knew every word. There was something about the story telling and raw energy that came from the band, not to mention the passion shown by the older generation that put the record on that made me enjoy it too.

Bon Jovi. Now we are getting into my generation and my choices but the Slippery When Wet album was introduced to me by my Aunt Kathy. This is what she was rocking out to when she came to live with us for a while, and I was hooked. Still to this day one of my favorite bands, and Richie Sambora is still one of the all-time great guitar players. I saw them in concert when I was a little older and felt the true energy of a rock concert.

Alabama. They are my favorite country group ever. The first song I can remember knowing every word to was “Roll On”. A story about a truck driver trying to get home. To this day the smooth sound and authentic country rhythm of their songs makes me want to get out my boots and go do some hard work outside. American Pride is one of my favorite songs ever and always reminds me of a friend that died. This one is for you, Frank.

Fleetwood Mac. I don’t remember the first time I heard that sound but the voice of Stevie Nicks has always taken hold of me and drawn me near. I have had many discussions with others over the years, Dave Schmidt being one. We all agree that Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks is one of those bands that covers all generations. Their sound is a one of a kind jam that makes you want to sing and let loose. Nick’s voice is the bar that all other female singers try to reach. A smoky, soulful sound that makes any song better.

Motley Crew. In my 80s hair band era, these guys grew into the band of choice for me. High energy, rocking sounds, a strong bass and electric power surged from every song. “Primal Scream” remains one of my all-time favorite tunes. A raw, cutting, loud song to be played at full blast.

Metallica. I don’t think you can grow up in my generation and not be influenced by them. They were at first known as a heavy metal band but turned into an all-time great band. A one-of-a-kind sound that is easily recognized. Once again, one of the best guitar players ever, if not the greatest, emerged from the band.

Three more bands round out my list, and they could not be any more different. Nirvana, Aerosmith and Casting Crowns. Nirvana had a coolest sound that I maybe like better today than I did then. Casting Crowns, which has a permanent place in our CD player, got me through some very rough times in life. Aerosmith, my all-time favorite band just keeps rocking and has produced some of the greatest tunes of any generation.

So, sorry if your band did not make my list. I had a very hard time cutting it down to 10. I encourage you to tell me about your top 10, and maybe together we can encourage some people to dust off their vinyls and give them a spin for old times’ sake. For you younger ones, you can just google them. I’m just saying.