.png)
As I’ve grown older and have developed my own opinions, ideas, and values, I have come to understand that there is not much that my father and I agree on. However, one thing that we never fail to see eye-to-eye on is our taste in music. You see, I was raised on the most exceptional music, largely due to the influence of my dad.
Truly, some of my fondest memories from my childhood were spent sitting in front of our clunky, old television watching a DVD of AC/DC’s The Razor’s Edge album music videos. Dad would always be sure to play “Haircut”, my favorite video, as my sister and I danced around the living room, shaking our heads like Angus Young until our necks were sore. He would show us his old KISS albums, and we would admire the glamour of all their eccentric makeup and outfits. We would even play in my parents' old KISS costumes from the 90s, sticking our tongues out like Gene Simmons (who most 5-year-olds would most likely be terrified of). He introduced us to Metallica and Motley Crue, and I can still remember belting “Girls, Girls, Girls” in the car to this day.
I’m now 20 years old, and I still find myself always listening to my rock playlists and throwback albums over the “top hits” of the modern music industry. Every time I hear a Def Leppard song or spin my Guns N’ Roses vinyl, I think back to the times spent dancing with my sister or riding in my dad’s Mini Cooper with all the windows down blasting our favorite songs. I hope he also looks back on these times, feeling the same nostalgia I do and can hopefully take pride in the fact that he has two daughters that not only love KISS, but that will fully dress as them for Halloween with him without hesitation (see photo).
So, I want to thank my dad for teaching me from a young age what real music is and about the joy a really great song can make you feel. For when I hear Are you Ready? or Welcome to the Jungle, I feel more than just music. I feel overwhelmed by a flood of happy childhood memories that these songs caused. I feel appreciation for my father, who maybe didn’t know how to braid my hair or paint my nails, but who could put a smile on my face by putting in those old DVD’s of his.
It’s memories such as these that I will remember forever, and although my father and I have many disagreements today, really good music is something that we will always agree on.
Mary Catherine Medley is a McConnell Scholar in the class of 2024. She is studying political science and criminal justice at the University of Louisville.