A Decade of Hits

Ten Years of DJing the Retirement Circuit

“What do you do?” they always ask. In today’s modern workforce, titles seem to multiply daily. I probably could make it up. “Oh, I’m a systems engineer consultant project manager resources division specialist, fundraising department. Sometimes mergers and acquisitions.” They wouldn’t bat an eye.

Instead, I jam their gears.

“I DJ for old people.”

“Huh?”

It’s true. But I prefer the term “OG” (Original Gangster.)

Ten years, man…ten years of spinning Big Band wax and rock ‘n roll records, jumping around in brightly colored shoes, and generally making a scene at retirement homes across three states.

Ringside Seats

“If I were to say THIS” I’d start, at a lull in the program, everyone huddled around in wheelchairs peering at this vortex of energy…

“If I were to say THIS” (dropping my arms dejectedly)

“I taught the weeping willow how to cry. And I showed the clouds how to cover…the clear blue sky….and the tears I cried for that woman…are gonna flood you big river…and…and…and…” (losing all steam, collapsing on the floor)

“I’M GONNA SIT RIGHT HERE UNTIL I DIE!”

(Mature faces look down at me in puzzlement and mild amusement. A nurses’ eyes twinkle.)

“You’d rightfully say ‘man up, Josh!! Stop being a drama queen!”

(nods of agreement.)

I jump up, and spring to the record player.

“It’s all in how you say it. Listen to how Johnny Cash puts it in a decent way.”

That wonderful dust and vinyl sound emanates from the speaker. And then we listen to Big River.

A Decade of Hits

I went back to where it all started yesterday, and sure was grateful. That first morning show ten years ago was a guess. What should I play? Glenn Miller? Bing Crosby? Elvis? Ray Charles? They were patient, and liked the glimmerings of the idea. “The Old Time Radio Hour” was modified. The Classic Radio Hour was born.

Along the Way

Elvis is always invited to the party. Frank and Dean are often paired together. There’s no need to feel down with two feet in. The YMCA demands commitment. “He stood on the speaker, man”, said one lady on the porch to another. “He stood on the speaker.”

I’ve heard stories from generals, housewives, inventors, musicians, soldiers, athletes, doctors, lawyers, musicians, writers, mechanics…you name it. Many of the friends along the way are gone now, bequeathing a bit of their spirit and wisdom. We’ve danced, laughed, hugged, and cried. We marvel at how Sinatra can weave a song…how Glenn gets that golden sound. Sitting around in each other’s company, lessons yet to be articulated flit in the air like the sunbeams of the Tuesday afternoon.

It’s nice to sit and pay attention…to all of it.

At the end, we close out with The Spaniels Goodnight, it’s time to Go.

“Duh dah duh da duhhhhhh” we all sing together.

Thank you.