Top 5 Singers of My Father’s Generation Whose Concert I Want to Watch

As a child, my earliest musical influence is the music my parents play at home. I was familiar with many standard songs that my father loves and it is only when I was older that I get to appreciate the artists behind the songs.  It warms my heart when I see that these artists still doing shows  and tours. Most often, it is not about earning a living but getting the music out there. So, I understand when people get excited about enduring bands like Status Quo putting up a series of shows. If you check out their touring schedule, you’d be amazed how they are able to keep up with it. It is no wonder many are buying their Status Quo tickets now.

In case you are not familiar with the band, Status Quo is a British band who is known for boogie rock.  Check out this Status Quo Performance.

 

This made me think of the artists of my father’s generation whose concert I want to watch. Their music has filled our happy home during Sundays and I remember my father bursting into song whenever he feels like it.

I am listing this in no particular order.

1. Paul Anka. A few years ago, we got to watch his concert in Las Vegas on DVD. He was already in his 60s but the arena was filled with women in their 50s and 60s still gushing like teenagers. This did not make sense to me while watching a few minutes into the concert. Slowly, I realized  how popular he was when each song he was singing was familiar to my ears. Songs like Diana, Put Your Head on My  Shoulders and You are my Destiny. The biggest revelation to me is that he composed, My Way. Yes, he wrote that immortal Frank Sinatra song that can cost your life if you butcher it in karaoke bars.

This is Paul Anka singing Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit.

 2.  Barry Manilow. This guy sings like he knows what you are going through. Ha! Every aspect of a person’s love life seems to have a Barry Manilow song as a soundtrack. The songs are smooth and easy on the ears.  My favorite Manilow song is “A Weekend in New England” because the lyrics gave a few hints on the title of the song. I thought the title was “When will I hold you again”. HA! Interestingly, it is Manilow’s favorite song.

 3. Johnny Mathis. This guy has a crystal clear voice.  If you want a song for your wedding, you can go through his repertoire and you can find one that is not commonly used in weddings. My father was particularly impressed at Johnny for being an athlete. From what my father told me, Johnny Mathis was  a high jumper and hurdler and he was supposed to try out for the Olympics but singing got in the way. I love his version of “How Do You Keep the Music Playing.” 

4. Neil Diamond.  My father had a close affinity with Neil Diamond because Diamond was almost his age and they shared the same first name. When he was alive, my father claimed that he is the oldest ‘Neil’ in the Philippines. Oftentimes, people would ask him, “Is Neil a nickname for Danilo?”  There are not many people with the same name as him until the 1960s when a man stepped on the moon and Neil Diamond started selling records.

 This is Neil Diamond singing “Sweet Caroline“.

5. Barbra Streisand. The woman needs no further introduction. She’s multi-talented- actor, director, singer, songwriter, writer. I really wish I get to listen to her sing live in concert. What I love about Barbra is that she’s got some comedic timing. This is Barbra and Judy Garland singing “Happy Days”. They both have powerful voices but their voices are in harmony and they are not outdoing each other.

How about you? Do you like artists from your parent’s generation?

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