MUSIC

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES

I cannot overstate the importance of music in my life. From a young age, I have enjoyed listening to varying genres, artists, and albums.


Some of my favorites are from my father, such as Stevie Wonder, Jackie Wilson, Kenny Rogers, and Country from the 1990s.


Some of my other favorites come from my mother, like Sugarland, The Chicks, Tina Turner, Fleetwood Mac (Stevie Nicks especially), and Lauryn Hill.


Over the years, my musical tastes have expanded, shaped by what I grew up with and what I have discovered along the way. While my parents laid the foundation, my soundtrack includes a diverse array of music.


I still remember the excitement of my first concert, Miley Cyrus, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. At the time, it was the biggest thing in the world, an experience I will never forget.


Since then, I have been lucky enough to see some of my favorite artists perform live. One of the most memorable moments came when I heard Goodbye Earl from The Chicks live for the first time, standing next to my mother.


There is something surreal about singing along to a song we have played so many times before, surrounded by thousands of voices all sharing the exact moment.


Music has also been a massive part of my driving experience. When I first got my license, nothing felt better than taking my Jeep out on the road, windows down, music up, and freedom stretched out ahead of me.


There was something about those drives with the wind in my hair (I used to have some!), my favorite songs playing, and the sense that anything was possible. To this day, when I am driving my Outback, the right song at the right moment still carries that same magic.


To me, music is more than just sound; it is a memory, a mood, a feeling that lingers long after the last note fades.


It is the excitement of a road trip playlist, the solace of a slow song on a rainy day, and the energy of a favorite track blasting through my speakers as I drive these Appalachian backroads.

No matter where life takes me, one thing is sure: music will always be a part of the journey.

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