Name That Tune

My Foolish Heart by A Horsnell Wade (song inspired)

 Whistle while you work. Or hum. Or even sing along. How many of us listen to music while we work?  Personally, I very rarely work in a quiet studio. I open my studio door and reach for the stereo.

Sometimes the music inspires an actual painting, other times it simply provides the right atmosphere I need to work. Perhaps it's the melody, or the words. Perhaps it's the rhythm. I respond to the whole song in the way other artists might respond to a beautiful landscape. I am absorbed by the music. My mind shifts and the ideas and colours, texture and movement flow onto the canvas.

I am not alone. Many, many artists are fueled by music. Or stories. Or movies. Or photographs in the morning paper. Artists inspiring other artists. Not all the time, but often a piece of music, or a story touches another artist and moves them to carry it even further. A chain reaction of creative response.

Recently I was reminded of a long-time favourite song, "Ode to Billie Joe" written and recorded by Bobbie Gentry in 1967. I know of few songs which tell a story so convincingly. A story so strong it further inspired a novel and movie .. and won several Grammy awards. As an artist, it doesn't get much better than that.

What song or music inspires you?

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