Happy! Happy! Break out the books, socks, and coffee mugs, it’s Father’s Day! Just in time for Father’s Day we stumbled upon a new favorite podcast, Dad Rock, and we immediately borrowed a page from their latest episode by asking you to name the song that most reminds you of your dad.
For more songs that remind you of dear ol’ Dad, check out the conversation on our Facebook group.
Ain’t No Sunshine by Bill Withers. Submitted by Kate Westaby, Wisconsin Partnership Program.
Story Behind the Song: My dad loved Motown music, Bill Withers, The Temptations, The Commodores etc. Every time that Ain’t No Sunshine came on, he always reminded every one that Bill Withers says “I know” 27 times, after he sang the song of course. My dad didn’t need music to be playing. He would sing randomly in public.
Memphis or Maybelline by Chuck Berry. Submitted by Matt Yager, City of Plano, TX
Story Behind the Song: I have a lot of memories of my father driving me here, there and everywhere. There was a time where I started ragging on his musical selection, which I later discovered was actually better than my own. One of the first things I remember purchasing for him for father’s day that he actually enjoyed was a Chuck Berry greatest hits cassette. And hey, Maybelline is probably Churck Berry’s best driving song.
Fanfare For The Common Man by Aaron Copeland. Submitted by David Donaldson, City of Beaverton, OR
Story Behind the Song: My father listened only to classical music and he thought Copeland was the greatest American composer. Along with Appalachian Spring this was his favorite. He would turn it up and it would take you to another place
El Paso by Marty Robbins. Submitted by Sarah Medary, City of Eugene, OR
Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter by Herman’s Hermit. Submitted by Shelby Teufel, City of Pleasant Hill, MO
Anything Songs by Herb Albert & the Tijuana Brass. Submitted by Carol Krager, City of Tigard, OR
Summer Breeze by Seals & Croft. Submitted by Cristen Nussman Wood, City of Pearland, TX
Centerfield by John Fogerty. Submitted by Kirsten Wyatt, ELGL Executive Director
Story Behind the Song: My tendency to listen to albums on repeat until the entire family is totally over them comes from my dad. Growing up, we’d listen to the same records – then tapes – for months until every song was memorized by everyone. One such album, “Centerfield,” was on repeat for months in our car. For a long time, my sister and I thought the lyrics, “put me in coach,” referenced Cinderella’s magical coach for the ball and my dad had to explain that it was actually about baseball. In addition to John Fogerty, we wore out the Bruce Springsteen box set, Paul Simon’s “Graceland,” and strangely (and sadly) the Milli Vanilli tape.
Old Man by Neil Young. Submitted by Randy Ealy, City of Beaverton, OR
Big Bear (from Super Troopers) by Steak. Submitted by T.L Cox, Springsted Incorporated
You Got It by Roy Orbison. Submitted by Kent Wyatt, ELGL Co-Founder
There You’ll Be by Faith Hill. Submitted by Jamie Ludovic, Washington County, WI
Sharp-Dressed Man by ZZ Top. Submitted by Center for Priority Based Budgeting
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Meanwhile, check out these ELGL articles that touch on the special bonding between father and child.
Life as a City Manager’s Child with David Rowlands, City of Fillmore (CA)
Life as a City Manager’s Child with Pat Hare, City of Adair Village
Life as a City Manager’s Child with Sean Pederson, City of Canton, SD
Life as a City Manager’s Child with Alex McIntyre
Life as a City Manager’s Child with Jeanna Troha
Life as a City Manager’s Child with Jackie Schwerm
Life as a City Manager’s Child with David Donaldson
The Assistant: Brooks Bennett, Round Rock, TX
Life as a City Manager’s Child with Mary Van Milligan
Life as a City Manager’s Child with Kent Wyatt
Guidepost #19 – Edward Wyatt, Cities of Fairfax, Va and Wilson, NC